[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 2005)]
[Pages 121-122]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

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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 
remarks, 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.