|
|
Article: Iraqis Claim Hussein Elected to 7-Year Term
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- October 16, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1995 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
|
BAGHDAD, Iraq Iraqi officials claim Sunday's "election" of Saddam
Hussein to a 7-year term as president is the first step toward
democracy, but many of his own people worry it will strengthen the
ruler to clamp down even tighter.
Hussein, the only candidate in a "yes" or "no" referendum, was
expected to claim a victory of nearly 100 percent by early Monday.
Throughout Sunday, Iraqis streamed to the polls and dutifully
filled out their ballots, most of them checking the "yes" box openly
in front of the election officials.
Officials said the election would lead to other democratic
reforms within two years, including setting up an elected parliament
and allowing opposition parties to ...