Reporter’s Notebook: Polling stations targeted

FRANCE 24’s Lucas Menget is back in Baghdad to cover Sunday’s parliamentary elections in what was once the land of the classic “The Arabian Nights”. Below find the reporter’s notebook from his time in the Iraqi capital.

By Lucas MENGET (text)

Thursday, March 4

The insurgents showed they can still make their opinion heard, and that they can make their point with firepower. This morning, they fired a rocket into a school which was set to serve as a polling station Sunday. The school was not empty, and four children died.

At the same time as this tragic attack, two suicide bombers detonated their explosives-packed belts near another polling station where Iraqi security officials were lined up to cast their votes ahead of polling day. A total of 14 people died. It goes to show that, despite all the best efforts of the security services and police, if a suicide bomber decides to blow himself up, there is very little that anyone can do.

Despite this, people are smiling. In the face of all the adversity, they are proud to have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. This pride is tangible in the streets of the city. It seems that despite the best efforts of the extremists, nothing will stop the Iraqis from heading to the polls.

Proud to vote, whatever the cost

Some 850,000 soldiers and members of security forces were called to polls for early voting on Thursday. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

In Baghdad, around 200,000 security personnel will be mobilised for the March 7 elections. (Photo: Adel Gastel)

Soldiers in a hurry keep their combat helmets on. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

The queue is long, but the moment is worth the wait. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

Killing time by poking fun at reporters is even better! (Photo: Lucas Menget)

Proud to vote. Proud to be a policeman. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

Indelible ink on the finger, proof of participation. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

While the queue is long, the mood is high. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

However, these two women, pressed by policemen eager to vote, lose their cool. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

The pat-down is mandatory before passing to the polling stations. (Photo: Adel Gastel)

Searching for a name on the voter list... (Photo: Lucas Menget)

... Sometimes, to no avail. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

"Give peace a chance”. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

An Iraqi helicopter ... powerless against suicide bombers. At least 14 people were killed at different polling station attacks in Baghdad on Thursday. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

Read Wednesday's notes