heric - I believe the observers were independent of the U.N.

From your link: "A group that organised 10,000 independent observers for the vote said there had been very little fraud."

"Our observers remarked that in general the elections went ahead in an excellent way and there was very little fraud or violations."a spokesman for the Ain (Eye) non-government organisation told a press conference."

Thank goodness there is someone watching.

For the Iraqis, this is a big day! It seems that holding up the finger that has been inked has provided the Iraqis with a symbol of solidarity. I am very happy for them and I hope that their new found freedom will sustain them in the months ahead.