Iraqis have been given many promises since the American-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein two years and nine months ago. The majority of those pledges remain unfulfilled, having fallen foul of an insurgency that shows little sign of abating.
Today, though, the most important assurance - the right of Iraqis to determine their destiny through electing the leaders who will govern them - comes to fruition. The casting of ballots for the 275-member parliament marks the arrival of the democracy spoken of so frequently and in such glowing terms by US President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and others commanding the occupying military forces.
When results are announced and a government that will determine laws and policies for the next four years is formed in coming weeks, the people of Iraq will finally be able to decide for themselves what they want, rather than be told what is best for them. For the first time in their history, they will be free to choose their nation's direction.
As in any democracy, what evolves will not be to the liking of all people. With 231 political parties contesting the election, a coalition government is the most likely outcome and its composition may make for unwieldy, unworkable lawmaking.
One of its first duties will be to rule on proposals to split Iraq into three or more highly autonomous sectarian or ethnically based regions.
Progress in those negotiations is at the heart of whether the insurgency calms or worsens; reaching a deal or failing to agree could lead to heightened unrest and even civil war. There is even the possibility of the country falling apart, split irreparably by divisions.
