CNN.com – Iraqis vote amid violence – Jan 30, 2005

One step closer to the day when Iraq can join the free world as an independent, free country ruled by its people.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — Polls have closed and ballot counting has begun after Iraq’s first free election in a half century, with officials reporting a higher than expected turnout of registered voters amid attacks and threats of violence.

Insurgents carried out more than a dozen attacks across the country on Sunday, killing at least 25 people and wounding 71 others.

After the voting, President Bush said the balloting was a “resounding success” and praised Iraqis who “have taken rightful control of their country’s destiny.”