BBC promises comprehensive coverage of Iraqi election

by Staff,, Brand Republic 25-Jan-05, 14:10

LONDON - As Iraqis prepare for what could be bloody trip to the polls to vote in their first democratic election in 50 years, the BBC has unveiled its plans to cover the voting.

Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi declared war on the Iraqi elections, which are being held amid tight security.

In a tape released on Sunday on the web, al-Zarqawi's group declared that anyone who takes part in next weekend's Iraqi elections would be considered "an infidel". Yesterday, coalition forces captured car-bomb mastermind Sami Mohammad Ali Said al-Jaaf, a lieutenant of al-Zarqawi.

BBC will cover developments before, during and after Sunday's official polling on BBC television, radio and online.

The BBC's newsgathering operation will have teams in three key locations and the BBC's Arabic service will also have a strong presence in many regions.

Correspondents Caroline Hawley, Paul Wood and Roger Hearing, together with 'Today' programme presenter Edward Stourton and the BBC's world affairs editor John Simpson, will report from Baghdad, while Ben Brown, Peter Grant and Christian Fraser will be embedded with British troops in and around Basra.

The BBC will also report from the Kurdish areas in the north of the country, with correspondent Jim Muir based in the town of Abril.

Simpson will also question whether the elections will put Iraq on the road to peace in a 'Panorama Special' for BBC One on Sunday January 30. He will interview some of the country's key players and hear the thoughts of ordinary Iraqis about the situation.

The views of the Iraqi public are also heard when celebrated Baghdad blogger Salam Pax reports for 'Newsnight'.

Business correspondent Paul Mason will also explore the blogging trend as a more secure alternative for expressing personal views in the country.

The feelings of a cross-section of the Iraqi people and the coalition forces will also continue to be a feature on BBC News Online. The website will also offer complete coverage and commentary on the ongoing process.

In addition BBC News 24 and Radio Five Live will provide rolling comprehensive coverage during voting and offer wide-ranging analysis after the polls close.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum here.