Low Turnout for Iraqi Voter Registration (UAE)/Gulf News

[Gloria]

From the new World Media Watch up now at http://www.zianet.com/insightanalytical
Tomorrow at Buzzflash.com

The comments are interesting (after MORE)




1//Gulf News Online, United Arab Emirates Published: 20/1/2005, 07:59

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/NationNF.asp?ArticleID=148528



LOW TURNOUT FOR IRAQI VOTER REGISTRATION (UAE)

By Bassam Za'za', Staff Reporter Dubai :



Of the more than 100,000 Iraqis living in the UAE, only 900 signed up to vote on the first day of registration.



On the second and third registration days, which were Tuesday and yesterday, unofficial observers estimated that more than 2,500 Iraqis registered.



The Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) Programme through which Iraqis in the UAE are voting is being conducted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).



"During the first two days, the registration process was steady but not overwhelming," Mike Burke, Head of the IOM OCV operation in the UAE, told Gulf News.



"I believe people were waiting for the holidays to come. Generally, the atmosphere showed that people were happy and optimistic. Many of them have been waiting for free elections for years. Some people who failed to bring two types of ID weren't allowed to register. They were asked to obtain two IDs and return for the registration."



(SNIP)



A cross-section of UAE-based Iraqis spoke to Gulf News regarding the whole election process.

MORE

[Liberty Belle]

1. Gosh, what a surprise.

Just because voters have been threatened with bombing, beating or beheading, I can't imagine why anyone would feel too intimidated to register.

[uppityperson]

2. We gave them their freedom and they just don't know what to do w/it

How many Iraqis have 2 type of ID? How many of USAians have 2 types of ID? I have drivers license, birthcertificat and social security card, all of which can be forged and some places won't accept as real, and a passport. But how many of these people have 2 types? BOmbing your house, run out with your 2 types of ID so you can vote later. bunch of crap

[Gloria]

3. The article refers to Iraqis OUTSIDE of Iraq...specifically in the UAE

eom

[UL_Approved]

4. Sounds like Ohio or Florida

I guess that Bush is telling the truth about "exporting democracy". Too bad the part about democracy is just a bunch of bunk...