This
historic event will be overseen by the Independent Election Commission
of Iraq, and will mark the first genuine, nationwide elections in
generations. The terrorists and those who benefited from the tyranny of
Saddam Hussein know that free elections will expose the emptiness of
their vision for Iraq. That is why they will stop at nothing to prevent
or disrupt this election.
The terrorist Zarqawi -- who plans and orders many of the car
bombings and beheadings in Iraq -- recently acknowledged the threat that
democracy poses to his cult of hatred. "Of democracy in Iraq," he said,
"we have declared a fierce war against this evil principle." He
denounced as infidels all who seek to exercise their right to vote as
free human beings.
Yet in the face of this intimidation, the Iraqi people are standing
firm. Tomorrow's elections will happen because of their courage and
determination. All throughout Iraq, these friends of freedom understand
the stakes. In the face of assassination, brutal violence and calculated
intimidation, Iraqis continue to prepare for the elections and to
campaign for their candidates. They know what democracy will mean for
their country: a future of peace, stability, prosperity and justice for
themselves and for their children. One resident of Baghdad said, "This
election represents what is possible. To me, it's the start of a new
life."
This election is also important for America. Our nation has always
been more secure when freedom is on the march. As hope and freedom
spread, the appeal of terror and hate will fade. And there is not a
democratic nation in our world that threatens the security of the United
States. The best way to ensure the success of democracy is through the
advance of democracy.
Tomorrow's vote will be the latest step in Iraq's journey to
permanent democracy and freedom. Those elected to the transitional
National Assembly will help appoint a new government that will fully and
fairly represent the diversity of the Iraqi people. This assembly will
also be charged with drafting a permanent constitution that will be put
to a vote of the Iraqi people this fall. If approved, a new nationwide
election will follow in December that will choose a new government under
this constitution.
As democracy takes hold in Iraq, America's mission there will
continue. Our military forces, diplomats and civilian personnel will
help the newly-elected government of Iraq establish security and train
Iraqi military police and other forces. Terrorist violence will not end
with the election. Yet the terrorists will fail, because the Iraqi
people reject their ideology of murder.
Over the past year, the world has seen successful elections in
Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Palestinian
territories. In countries across the broader Middle East, from Morocco
to Bahrain, governments are enacting new reforms and increasing
participation for their people.
Tomorrow's election will add to the momentum of democracy. One Iraqi,
speaking about the upcoming vote, said, "Now, most people feel they are
living in darkness. It is time for us to come into the light." Every
Iraqi who casts his or her vote deserves the admiration of the world.
And free people everywhere send their best wishes to the Iraqi people as
they move further into the light of liberty.
Thank you for listening.
END