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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Feb 9, 2012 - 5:06:14 PM |
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| Citizens of the Zafaraniya community hosted a neighborhood advisory council member election at the Wadi Al-Ain School in eastern Baghdad June 1. The election drew in about 1,000 voters and Iraqi officials managing the process praised the third election held in the community since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. (U.S. Army photo) |
Blackanthem Military News, FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — The Zafaraniya community saw democracy in action as they hosted a neighborhood advisory council member election June 1 at the Wadi Al-Ain School, which drew about 1,000 voters.
The vote was completely run by local officials. Fawzi Dawood, a council member and election center manager, said this marked the third election for Zafaraniya. The first was on May 29, 2003 after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime and again in January 2005.
The election highlighted a turning point as two muhallas, or neighborhoods, now have neighborhood council representation, Dawood said.
“This election is special for Zafaraniya as it increases the activities of the members and consequently increases the services to the citizens of Zafaraniya in general and the Hay Al-Zafaraniya, in particular,” he said. “It will increase the momentum for the members and intensify the cooperation, the enthusiasm and the continued work of the members and the community.”
Six candidates ran for two open positions and after all ballots were cast and videotaped for authenticity, the winners were Jasim Sakran Muohmed and Muohmed Abass.
1st Lt. John Lee of the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, who arrived to give added protection while the voting was underway, said Muohmed won with 451 votes.
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“Mr. Fawzi wished to thank the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police for providing security and mentioned Col. Khalid, the Zafaraniyah IP commander by name, indicating that he was there for the entire process,” Lee said of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division. “It was a great success for everyone.”
In order for voting information to get out to the people, Dawood said advertisements were placed in schools, mosques, markets and along main roads and intersections.
“In my opinion, the election went very smooth and was very good,” Dawood said.
Iraqi Security Forces, along with help from sheiks, civil organizations and other community leaders, allowed voters to place their ballots in a safe environment, Dawood said. All the citizens were searched when they came in to ensure everyone’s safety.
“I felt that the voters felt secure with the presence of the IA,” Dawood said, stressing the help of Maj. Qasim of the 1-4-1st IA.
Support for the election was also given by the Karadah District Council chair, Dr. Muhammad and Ahmad Ulga, the Zafaraniya Neighborhood Advisory Council chairman and Lt. Col. Wayne Grieme, commander of 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, Dawood said.
Even though things went well, there is always room for improvement.
“I wish there will be completely new election for all the (neighborhood advisory councils) and the (district advisory councils), providing no entry to the militias and party members in these councils,” Dawood said. “I thank everyone who helped us in this process and taught us democracy, freedom and respect.”
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