Violence will not stop poll, says UN official. Staff face death and intimidation but preparations for huge logistical challenge of Iraq elections go ahead. (The Guardian [UK])

Underfunded parties fight to be heard before elections. The National Democratic Party in Iraq has fought for six decades against various tyrannical regimes. It has voiced a tolerant, grass-roots democratic vision for unifying the country. It has leaders who stuck it out instead of fleeing into exile. It also has virtually no chance when citizens go to the polls on Jan. 30. (Boston Globe)

The commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division predicted Thursday insurgent attacks will "settle down a bit" after Iraq holds elections Jan. 30, though he added his deploying troops will be ready if violence After the Election, It Won't Get Easiercontinues to escalate. (AP via Mercury News)

Chilean Senator Sergio Paez, president of the Inter-Parliamentarian Union (IPU), will participate as observer in the Jan. 30 elections in Iraq. (XINHUA online)

BusinessWeek: After the Election, It Won't Get Easier. Despite continued violence, Iraq's planned Jan. 30 election looks set to occur. It's unlikely to be either the decisive turning point the Bush Administration once hoped for or the unmitigated disaster critics predict. Instead, this vote at best will be a step on the difficult road toward creating a viable, self-governing country.

Blog Belmont Club: The Lost Elections. Blogger Wretchard responds to an article in The Nation [previously linked].