Laith Kubbah, press spokesman for interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jafari, said despite the fraud charges, there is much optimism after a high voter turnout of 70 percent, which illustrates that most Iraqis believe democracy and the ballot box represent the country's future.
Nonetheless, Mr. Kubbah acknowledged that the results indicate grave polarization in Iraqi society. Speaking with host Judith Latham of VOA News Now?s , Mr. Kubbah said he hopes that Iraq?s leaders will opt for a government of national unity, but that such an outcome is as yet unclear.
According to Iraqi Kurdish journalist Hiwa Osman, the Kurds are pleased with last week?s elections and optimistic about their future. But Laith Kubbah said he is concerned about the integration and consolidation of Iraq?s security apparatus, especially if the central government is weak ? a real possibility if the Shi?a majority and the Kurds remain inflexible about amending the current constitution, which was designed to create strong regions and a weak central government.