Some Came on Crutches...

Nick Gillespie | January 30, 2005

The scene in Iraq, via Reuters:

Some came on crutches, others walked for miles then struggled to read the ballot, but across Iraq, millions turned out to vote Sunday, defying insurgents who threatened a bloodbath.

Suicide bombs and mortars killed at least 27 people, but voters still came out in force for the first multi-party poll in 50 years. In some places they cheered with joy at their first chance to cast a free vote, in others they shared chocolates.

Whole account here.

In another story, Reuters is estimating turnout at 72 percent, "a figure that--if confirmed--would enhance the legitimacy of a national assembly that will choose Iraq's new leaders." That account here.