Sunnis Show for the Vote in Iraq ~ Insurgents Stay Home

In a scene that might have been theatrically crafted by over-zealous and optimistic coalition propagandists, over 90% of Sunni Arabs in the infamous city of Fallujah turned out for the vote this weekend after clerics and other Sunni leaders went door-to-door to encourage residents that it was safe to go vote.

Although some cities had low turnout due to fear of reprisals, according to the Washington Post in its article "Sunni Turnout is High In Vote on Iraqi Charter," at least three of four heavily Sunni-populated provinces, the turnout was strong: Salahuddin - 75%; Diyala - 65%; Anbar - (High but exact number unknown). The question on everyones' minds about the Sunnis: How did they vote?

According to ABC NewsOnline, "...as many as 10 million of Iraq's eligible 15.5 million voters cast ballots," which would make the voter turnout around 65% or more! That is much higher than the January 2005 vote, which achieved about 58%.

In contrast to the voter turnout, there were a reported total of 13 terrorist attacks resulting in no deaths - comparatively, a VERY calm day in Iraq indeed.

The worst thing that could happen from this election is that the Constitution will be defeated - at which point the process will have to be repeated, starting with another vote for representatives. As bad as this sounds, at least it will be the result of a DEMOCRATIC decision, in a Democratic country.