    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [January 30, 2005]
    [Pages 110-111]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Address to the Nation on the Iraqi Elections
    January 30, 2005

        Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is
    hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.
        In great numbers and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their
    commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi
    people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the
    terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins.
    And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the
    foundation of self-government.
        Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens.
    We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their
    lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom,
    peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.
        The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding
    success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens
    volunteered as pollworkers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force
    personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against
    terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in
    a terror attack last year and went to the polls today despite threats of
    violence. He said, ``I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want
    terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am
    voting for peace.''
        Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of
    their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and
    peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The
    European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the
    election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with
    our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their
    sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the
    United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.
        The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic
    election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new
    constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi
    Government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war
    against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight
    against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this
    rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own
    security.
        There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis
    are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American
    people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic
    achievement.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 1 p.m. from the Cross Hall at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.

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