In spite of widespread violence, voter turnout in Iraq appears to have been between 55 and 60 percent of the eligible population. Some reports suggest that Shiites and Kurds voted in much higher proportions than Sunnis (a potential source of problems down the road), but the early evidence suggests that the election was far more successful than most observers had expected.
Iraq's election was to select representatives for a constitutional assembly. Another election is expected later this year to choose members of whatever legislative body is created by the constitutional assembly.
If democracy does in fact take root in Iraq, we will be a bit closer to seeing whether the Bush Administration has other motives for the American military presence there.