Elections key to Iraq's direction

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Provincial elections in Iraq are a public referendum on the direction of the country in the wake of a security agreement with Washington, a top general said.

Brig. Gen. David Perkins, spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq, in an interview with the Khaleej Times said the security agreement, a new administration in Washington and the changing situation in Iraq make the January provincial elections key to the direction of the war-torn country.

"Now that we have the security (situation) under control, the Iraqi people are starting to plan for their future," he said.

Perkins said the next few months in Iraq were "crucial" in pairing developments in the security front with political developments.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is seen as moving to consolidate his power base ahead of provincial elections in January. The Iraqi people, however, will be able to choose from an open system of around 14,000 candidates for some 400 provincial seats.

"There are some frustrations," Perkins said, "but Prime Minister Maliki has committed a lot of resources and a lot of effort to ensure that the January polls are free and fair."