    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [January 29, 2005]
    [Pages 108-110]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    January 29, 2005

        Good morning. Tomorrow the world will witness a turning point in the
    history of Iraq, a milestone in the advance of freedom, and a crucial
    advance in the war on terror. The Iraqi people will make their way to
    polling centers across their nation. On the national ballot alone,
    voters will choose from nearly 19,000 candidates competing for seats in
    the Transitional National Assembly, in the country's 18 provincial
    councils, and in the Kurdistan National Assembly. This historic event
    will be overseen by the Independent Election Commission of Iraq and will
    mark the first genuine, nationwide elections in generations.

        The terrorists and those who benefited from the tyranny of Saddam
    Hussein know that free elections will expose
    the emptiness of their vision for Iraq. That is why

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    they will stop at nothing to prevent or disrupt this election. The
    terrorist Zarqawi, who plans and orders
    many of the car bombings and beheadings in Iraq, recently acknowledged
    the threat that democracy poses to his cult of hatred. ``Of democracy in
    Iraq,'' he said, ``we have declared a fierce war against this evil
    principle.'' He denounced as infidels all who seek to exercise their
    right to vote as free human beings.
        Yet in the face of this intimidation, the Iraqi people are standing
    firm. Tomorrow's elections will happen because of their courage and
    determination. All throughout Iraq, these friends of freedom understand
    the stakes. In the face of assassination, brutal violence, and
    calculated intimidation, Iraqis continue to prepare for the elections
    and to campaign for their candidates. They know what democracy will mean
    for their country, a future of peace, stability, prosperity, and justice
    for themselves and for their children. One resident of Baghdad said,
    ``This election represents what is possible. To me, it's the start of a
    new life.''
        This election is also important for America. Our Nation has always
    been more secure when freedom is on the march. As hope and freedom
    spread, the appeal of terror and hate will fade. And there is not a
    democratic nation in our world that threatens the security of the United
    States. The best way to ensure the success of democracy is through the
    advance of democracy.
        Tomorrow's vote will be the latest step in Iraq's journey to
    permanent democracy and freedom. Those elected to the Transitional
    National Assembly will help appoint a new Government that will fully and
    fairly represent the diversity of the Iraqi people. This Assembly will
    also be charged with drafting a permanent constitution that will be put
    to a vote of the Iraqi people this fall. If approved, a new nationwide
    election will follow in December that will choose a new Government under
    this constitution.
        As democracy takes hold in Iraq, America's mission there will
    continue. Our military forces, diplomats, and civilian personnel will
    help the newly elected Government of Iraq establish security and train
    Iraqi military police and other forces. Terrorist violence will not end
    with the election. Yet the terrorists will fail, because the Iraqi
    people reject their ideology of murder.
        Over the past year, the world has seen successful elections in
    Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Palestinian
    Territories. In countries across the broader Middle East, from Morocco
    to Bahrain, governments are enacting new reforms and increasing
    participation for their people.
        Tomorrow's election will add to the momentum of democracy. One
    Iraqi, speaking about the upcoming vote, said, ``Now, most people feel
    they are living in darkness. It is time for us to come into the light.''
    Every Iraqi who casts his or her vote deserves the admiration of the
    world. And free people everywhere send their best wishes to the Iraqi
    people as they move further into the light of liberty.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on January 28 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on January 29. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    January 28 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    address, the President referred to senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab
    Al Zarqawi. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.

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