It is amazing that Reuters and MSNBC are reporting this as if it is a legitimate election:

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Oct. 15 - Amid vows to defend President Saddam Hussein to the death, Iraqis cast ballots in a nationwide presidential referendum on Tuesday certain to be declared a landslide victory. A win for Saddam would extend his rule by seven years.

Just how willing do you think Iraqis are to vote against Saddam (whose name is the only one on the ballot) when they are required to put their name and address on the ballot? Threats and intimidation followed up by the use of chemical weapons are a very effective force.

If you wade through the anti-American comments and look hard enough, you'll find this tidbit buried in the story:

But the result is a forgone conclusion with the voting process tightly controlled by the authorities and with no independent observers or other candidates.

What is the point of voting then?