Elections 101, Iraqi-style

But already, participation sanctioned by Iraq's Sunni leadership has improved the dynamic. "Last January, we could not find one single person to work with the IECI, and were forced to bring 1,500 from outside to work here," says Election Commissioner Safwat Rashid. "When you have the local people working with you ... it makes a big difference."

Still, Mosul residents did not blunt their criticism. Even before the floor was opened to questions, the commissioners promised more polling centers for the upcoming vote, and that those who violated electoral laws would be punished.

The province is slated for 520 polling centers, but insecurity meant that only 94 opened last January; 320 in October.

Residents clearly don't trust the system. One man called for better coordination between the police and military forces, and suggested that "probably strangers [units from outside the province] would be better, to avoid any bias."

"For example, if the police or security forces would not be able to secure a polling station, what will they do, shut it down?" asked another man. "Security is not a reason to not open a polling station, because when you close a station, you deprive people of their voting rights."

"I observed police and guards carry weapons inside the [polling] stations," said one women, among the dozen in the audience of 50 who spoke up. "They shouldn't do that."

"I hope the previous mistakes that were made will not be repeated," says another man. "They refuse to open a polling station, not because they are highly risky areas, but because there was not enough security."

Wearing a bullet-proof vest while waiting for a helicopter, Mr. Lami looked slightly frazzled after the session. "We do many things, and they forget what we do," says Lami. "The next election is too dangerous, because it is for parliament for four years, with more than 300 political entities."

Unlike the referendum, which approved a new Constitution, the December vote "means seats, which means power, which means money," says Lami. After two rounds of voting so far, "people have the knowledge, and we want to build their capacity to advertise the knowledge of democracy: 'I have one vote. This is my future.' "

He expects the current violence to ease as Iraq's political process takes root, "because the appeal of terrorists is less and less," Lami adds, and "people feel more for democracy than terrorism."

Still, complete reliance on US logistics to get places is not ideal. "Believe me, we are not happy that [US forces] protect us and move our things," says Lami. "We are trying to do it by our hand, but we have no choice."

The result: not enough for one resident, from a conservative Sunni political party. "This is the eighth time we are meeting with representatives of the [election] commission," he reminded the commissioners. "We appreciate your help ... but we have many concerns. Promises are easy, but please, we need some action."

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