Iraq vote could be delayed

[kskiska]

Deputy PM voices doubts over January date as violence continues

Iraq's deputy prime minister has indicated for the first time that the much-heralded elections due in January could be derailed by the country's violent insurgency.

Barham Salih said the authorities were determined to hold the vote, but admitted they would have to assess the security situation nearer the time.

"Holding free and fair elections on time is an obligation that we have undertaken towards the Iraqi people," he said. But he added: "Nearer the time, the Iraqi government, the United Nations, the independent election commission and the national assembly will have to engage in a real and hard-headed dialogue to assess the situation."

It is the first time a senior figure in the interim government has acknowledged that the dire security situation in large parts of the country could affect the political process.

more…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1351481,00.html

[ogradda]

1. do you fucking think?!

damn, think you might have some serious ISSUES to deal with first??

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Well...

No one saw that coming, did they?

[maddezmom]

4. I'm sure it's BIG SURPRISE

for some, just not a soul on DU.

[RoyGBiv]

3. Really!?!?!?

I'm so ... shocked.

:eyes:

[billyoc]

5. It's taking longer than we thought it would

to purge Iraq of all the non-Allawi supporters.

WAY longer... :eyes:

[Mokito]

6. But, but...why?

:eyes:

[n2mark]

7. But, but

the shrub and rummy said there would be elections, no matter..............

[signmike]

8. They won't be missing much

just ask us. What's the holdup, anyway? They having to ship all our used Diebold machines over?

[carolinalady]

9. well now that surely is a surprise..Not!

[0007]

I'm absolutely aghast!

'Ya mean to tell me that ugly junior monkey man doesn't have things under control yet?

[Mike Nelson]

10. BOMBS AWAY

What a shocking turn of events. I hope the dead people voted early.

[eleny]

11. well, if there's no one left to vote - better to "put it off" then

n/t

[struggle4progress]

12. Surprise! eom

[Darranar]

13. Intimidation efforts must have enough time...

to properly cow the Iraqi people if any sort of democratic forms are to be observed in this "election".

After all, who would want the Iraqi people to actually decide for themselves how to run their country?

[daleo]

14. The security situation means that Diebold election machines must be used

It is the only solution.

[Gloria]

15. Ironically, the Dutch and Romanians have just confirmed their

plans to withdraw (by March and June, respectively) with the comments that they expect elections to help things calm down. The Dutch have actually a refused a request by the US to stay longer....(stories in the new World Media Watch, URL below in sig)

Wonder why???????????

[knight_of_the_star]

16. No shit Sherlock!!!

What, like an impending Civil War isn't reason enough to postpone elections?

[deadparrot]

17. Wow, seriously!? Shocking, indeed! eom

[ze_dscherman]

18. Kick

Didn't they just successfully accomplished a mission in Fallujah just to assure the elections would happen in January?