Baghdad: A senior US military commander on Friday warned that the period after Iraq's upcoming national vote could be more dangerous than election day itself.
Brig Gen Kevin Mangum, who oversees the US’ role in eastern Baghdad, said officials fear a disputed vote result could re-ignite sectarian fighting that once pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war.
He warned that the time between the March 7 ballot and the seating of a new government will be critical.
"Will there be sectarian strife after the elections? That's our bigger concern at this point," Mangum told reporters at Camp Victory on Baghdad's western outskirts. "There are some questions about good losers and good winners."
American military commanders worry that disputed election results could throw Iraq into political chaos once again and hinder the US’ plans to withdraw all troops by the end of 2011.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 09:11