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Early voting begins in Iraq; nine killed
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-12 20:31
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Patients, soldiers and prisoners began voting Monday in
parliamentary elections, a few days ahead of the general population, while
insurgent violence killed at least nine people and wounded more than two dozen,
police said.
To prevent militants from disrupting Thursday's main balloting, the
government said it will close its borders, extend a nighttime curfew and
restrict domestic travel starting Tuesday.
Iraqi policemen man
a checkpoint along a highway in central Baghdad December 12, 2005.
[Reuters] | In a development that could impact the
general election, 13 prisoners who were apparent victims of abuse were
discovered at an overcrowded detention center run by the Interior Ministry,
Iraqi and U.S. military officials said.
Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari ordered an investigation into what he
described as an "unhealthy phenomenon." A similar case surfaced last month.
"There is a committee following the case. My military adviser is touring all
of Iraq's jails to know if there are such cases," al-Jaafari said during a news
conference. "I will not allow such dealing with any prisoner."
U.S. officials hope the new parliament that will be elected can help quell
the insurgency so American forces can begin heading home. The 275-member
assembly �� the first fully constitutional parliament since the 2003 ouster of
Saddam Hussein �� will choose a new government that U.S. officials hope can win
the confidence of the disaffected Sunni Arab minority �� the foundation of the
insurgency.
"The reasons for the presence of the multinational forces will start to
decrease," Shiite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said of the elections.
But he said that a timetable for their withdrawal would also depend on the
ability of Iraqi forces to take over security.
"We want the multinational forces to leave, but we don't want security to
disappear as well," al-Jaafari said. "When the Iraqi hands are in complete
control of the security situation in Iraq, then we will tell the multinational
forces, 'Thank you. Please leave the Iraqi lands."
A statement circulated Monday and believed issued by an insurgent group said
fighting would continue regardless of the vote, according to residents of a
Sunni neighborhood.
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