Despite predicted problems and a questionable future, voter turnout in Iraq's election was better than expected.

However, there currently is no firm estimate regarding the turnout of Iraq's 14 million eligible voters.

But the majority of voters participating in Sunday's election can be viewed as a success toward establishing an Iraqi democracy, Political Science Association President Midori Valdivia said.

"There will be progress, but it is anyone's guess to when it will become a stable government," he said.

The turnout can be credited to the very small amount of violence compared to what was expected, Navin Bapat, assistant professor of political science, said.

Insurgent attacks killed about 44 people during the course of the election.

"There seemed to be a tipping phenomenon," Bapat said.

"When [Iraqis] saw only limited violence more people went out and it became a spillover," he added.

Political science professor Scott Bennett said the U.S. military did a great job providing security to the areas where Iraqis were voting.

"They had fake voting places, and imposed restrictions on cars," he said. "They were very innovative in the ways of checking voters for explosives."

Voter turnout varied among the country's different areas, which could affect the future drafting of an Iraqi constitution, Bennett said.

"Shiites turned out 70 to 80 percent [to vote] and Sunnis only 10 percent or less," he said.

"Managing that division will be critical in whether the next stages are peaceful," Bennett added.

Bennett added that the votes will most likely be tallied and certified in 10 days.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was done faster, though," he said.

Iraqi people have more ownership of their government now, and will no longer feel as if they are just "puppets of the American government," Bapat said.

College Republicans staff adviser Charles Gable said he thinks the turnout will help Iraqis realize the government is their own.

"With the amazing turnout, Iraqis realize their destiny is in their hands and now they are claiming their government and will have more confidence in securing their own country," he said.

Bapat said the success of the election does not mean the insurgency is over, but could help eliminate it.

"Ideally if people have a bigger stake in the government they can provide better intelligence, which could serve in drying up insurgency support," he said.

The elections were historic because it has been a long time since an Arab population had free elections, Bapat said.

"It was a significant day, but the success of the government will not be created on election day," he added.

The Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds are extremely important to future stability in Iraq, College Democrats President Megan Green said.

"If the election favors one group, there will still be a lot of turmoil within," she added.

There are still worries about Sunni complications in the process of writing the constitution, but the minority will be heard, Gable said.

"The majority understands that if they don't give a voice to the minority in the government that they form, violence will not go away," he said.

Sunnis who participate in the process of drafting the constitution are those who will fight to be heard, but will not turn violent, Bapat said.

"They would have already turned to the insurgency," he said.