Iraq Elections Marked by Voter Apathy

clipped from www.mcclatchydc.com Voter turnout in Iraq's provincial elections Saturday was the lowest in the nation's short history as a new democracy despite a relative calm across the nation. Only about 7.5 million of more than 14 million registered voters went to the polls. Interviews suggest that the low voter turnout also is an indication of Iraqi disenchantment with a democracy that, so far, has brought them very little. Beyond the disillusionment, thousands of potential voters were unable to cast ballots Saturday because official voter lists did not contain their names. Street protests resulted. "I didn't participate in this election because I don't trust any list," Yasir Baqir, 28, said on Saturday in Fallujah. "Like any election, we read and see many promises but nothing real (happens) and there is still a crisis, a security crisis, an economic and a services crisis."

The piece continues:

"There was a mood of apathy before the elections," said Ali al Adeeb a Shiite legislator from Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki's party. "Many asked themselves what is the good? Why should we vote and for what? The enthusiasm came as the elections got closer."

This represents a drop from 76% in 2005 to 51% Saturday. It's bad news that they're already reaching American levels of voter apathy, since it means that democracy isn't seen as all that effective. High voter turn out should continue in a young democracy, until the populace begins to take it for granted.

The piece cites the ongoing occupation as well, suggesting that people see the government as a puppet regime.