Iraqi elections official fears fair vote in jeopardy (Security forces raiding registration centers)

[sabra]

Source: USA Today

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces loyal to the Shiite-led government are raiding voter registration centers and taking other steps to discourage participation in upcoming elections, says the head of Iraq's voting regulatory agency.

President Bush has said the elections are crucial to involving more Iraqis in politics, particularly Sunni former insurgents. Yet the recent incidents have raised concerns about the fairness of the election, which could take place early next year.

A drive to register new voters is slated to end next week. However, only about 1 million people had registered as of Wednesday, a low turnout due partly to voter intimidation, according to Iraq's High Elections Commission.

"There are people who don't want these elections and the security forces are collaborating with these people in some places," said Faraj al-Haydari, the commission's chairman.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2008-08-14-Iraq-voters_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

[MidwestTransplant]

1. Sounds like Ohio

[mayahbird]

2. Fair Elections

Sounds like they learn from the Bush Party