Casting a Ballot for Democracy

I voted yes to a permanent constitution under which citizens can live peacefully. I voted yes to a constitution under which Iraqi citizens are the winners.

The approval of the constitution, and its political process, was wonderful. Last-minute amendments encouraged many citizens vote in favour of the constitution. What a beautiful consensus this is.

I spent many hours contemplating whether to vote for or against this document. Eventually, I decided that the word “no” is weak. A vote against the constitution would have been a disservice to those who enthusiastically and courageously supported it - to the sheikh and the woman, both well into their eighties, and the people with disabilities who queued from the early morning hours to vote.

I ultimately decided that voting yes was the least I could do for these people. I asked myself if they had more knowledge about the constitution than I, but they certainly did not. Some voters did not know whether it was a referendum or an election. They voted because they love Iraq.

Some objected to the results, but those who approved the constitution were not angered by their complaints. The ability to listen to ideas that are different from our own is a true reflection of democracy.

Contrary to the notion that democracy is a dictatorship of the majority, this referendum proved that minorities not only have a voice, but their voices can effect change. This is the strongest mark of democracy.

The enthusiasm to vote, demonstrated by the large number of citizens who turned out to cast their ballots, can be interpreted in only one way - there was a determined desire to express opinions.

And the will was honest, despite some who tried to give five US dollar bribes to voters in poor neighbourhoods. But thanks to the vigilance of the citizens and their desire to take part in the referendum, this scam was discovered and the attempts to falsify results quashed.

Truly, this is a great nation. Despite their hardships and economic difficulties, the Iraqi people's optimism about their future and their trust in the constitution are stronger than millions of dollars.

Eighty years ago, under the British mandate, the first Iraqi constitution was drafted without democracy. It took five years to finish and was suitable for people during that time.

But now, let us give the chance to the people to say yes because they are ready to heal their wounds. Let them regain the self-confidence they lost because of oppression and dictatorship.

If we do not, it means a return to the chant, "Yes, yes for the leader Saddam." This is an insult to the Iraqis who risked their lives by going to cast their ballots.

I say: yes to Iraq; yes to stability and safety; yes to a unified front; yes to the will of the Iraqis to fight division - to leave hopeless the enemies of Iraq who encourage a civil and sectarian war. I say yes to unity.

Daud Salman is an IWPR trainee journalist in Baghdad.