Iraq election may not be free and fair, must be held

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KAR938843.htm

BAGHDAD, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Iraq's elections next year might not end up being free and fair because of the insurgency but holding them is better than having no poll at all, a senior Iraqi politician said on Sunday.

"In all elections in the world, breaches occur. I don't think that elections in Iraq are going to be 100 percent free and fair," Fouad Massoum, president of Iraq's recently elected National Council, said, adding: "Breaches will occur."

Attempts by guerrilla groups and militias to hamper election preparations, disrupt voting and intimidate people to vote in a certain way or not vote at all could damage the fairness of the elections, Massoum told Reuters in an interview.

"But this is not important if we take into consideration the circumstances we are living in. Even having an election with 60 percent fairness and freedom is better than not having one."

more...Wow. They really are planning on having a US style Democracy in Iraq.