This is GREAT news. I really respect the people, who in the middle of so much threat, got out and cast their vote. I've been following some of the candidates, many of which have been college trained in free countries, who just want their people to have their county back after so many decades of domination.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4220551.stm (rest of article)
Iraq election declared 'success'
Turnout is said to have been high despite threats and boycott pleas
The first multi-party election in Iraq for 50 years has been declared a success at the end of polling.
The electoral commission claimed a high turnout and US President George W Bush congratulated the Iraqi people on a "great and historical achievement".
A series of election-day attacks across the country killed at least 36 people, health officials say.
Correspondents also say there was a marked division in turnout between Sunni, Shia and Kurdish strongholds.
In the Shia Muslim south and Kurdish north of the country, lines formed at polling stations and there were smiles and tears of joy among voters.