By Sgt. DaleAnne Maxwell
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
BAGHDAD – Election Day – a day many Americans take for granted, but for thousands of Iraqi citizens, the opportunity to vote, to choose who will lead their country; this will be their second chance to see how a democratic government works.
The provincial elections held Jan. 31, is proof that the government of Iraq is moving toward a democratic form of government, and that the Iraqi security forces elevated their responsibility to provide security for the citizens of Iraq.
"Security is the main priority of the Iraqi security forces," said Spc. Lucas Burns, a Fire Support Specialist for Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and native of Clarksville, Mich.
In an effort to improve security for the citizens and encourage more voter turn-out, the ISF closed off roads, added extra patrols and kept a close eye on areas surrounding polling centers.
"The security is excellent and I feel good about the troops, they help me and the people are happy, you can see them walking the streets all dressed up," said Asa, an Iraqi citizen from the Doura community of Baghdad.
"It is very important to be able to participate in this election," said Asa, "I was not able to participate in elections before."
"It's a pretty big step for the Iraqi people to go from living under a dictatorship to a democracy with the freedom to vote," said Pfc. Brantley Butler, an Automatic Rifleman for Company C, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, attached to 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, and a native of Vale, Ore. "They have taken a big step in their government.
"The elections went well," said Maj. Hassim, the national policeman in charge of security at a polling site in the Hadar community of Baghdad. "A lot of people showed up here, about 80 percent that live in this area."
"The elections are very important; and it shows that the people feel very safe, safe enough to go to the election centers," said Hassim.