The Iraqi Elections

I've been following thge Iraqi elections via the net ever since the polls opened and I'm encouraged by the high turnout (except apparently in the Sunni triangle) and the low number of deaths (about 20) so far. As of writing, the polls are due to close in four hours time and the turnout figures available sometime afterwards. The results themselves won't be known for another ten or so days which is quicker than the months we had to endure for the Canterbury District Health Board election. But for me, the most striking and surreal moment came from the Basran woman who thanked "the Prophet Mohammed and George W. Bush" for bringing the election about.