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It’s not only the elections that are a problem. I’m a mechanic in Mosul’s main car-repair area. The gunmen come there regularly. They kidnap mechanics and force them to build car bombs. If you don’t do it they kill you. This is the reality of life here.”

Abu Balsam, 50, agricultural engineer in Baghdad

“The elections are being held in very bad circumstances, and I’m not sure they will make any difference or carry much weight with the Iraqis. Also, we know nothing about the candidates or their manifestos. There may even be a change for the worse due to the current security situation.

I think democracy is the answer to Iraq’s problems, but not when it comes from abroad or from people who are Iraqis only in name. Democracy should evolve naturally and as a result of the nature of the society in which it develops.

I’m afraid to participate because of the security situation and I don’t expect polling centres to be safe.

I still haven’t even received my voter registration card because the distributing agents didn’t collect them from the ministry out of fear of being attacked. I don’t know any of the people running except Allawi, whom I see on television.”

Wurood Sabah, 21, student at Baghdad University

“It’s important. It’s our chance to finally get some security and stability. There will be positive change if all Iraqis participate in the vote. I think democracy is the answer to Iraq’s problems, but I’m afraid some people have misinterpreted democracy. Another thing is we need strong leadership.

I’m not afraid because everything is in God’s hands, including the election centres, but I admit I don’t know where mine is. I live in Mahmoudiyah [in the so-called Triangle of Death, south of Baghdad] and it’s definitely not safe.

I don’t know anybody but Iyad Allawi because I see his pictures in the street and I listen to the news on the TV. I haven’t actually decided yet whom to vote for. After all, I don’t know who they are and what they stand for.”

Fadl Qaddem, 35, deputy secretary-general of the Free Iraqi Community Party

What are these elections being held under occupation? These are illegal. There is no freedom for the voters and all the lists are all-American lists, lists of people who came in on American tanks.

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