Iraqi voters – millions of them – upheld their end of the bargain Sunday.

They defied insurgents and expectations to cast a ballot for the future of their country. Sunday was a good day in Iraq.

Now, the United States and a reluctant Western world should uphold their commitment to democracy.

According to early estimates, turnout may have been as high as 60 percent of the 14 million eligible voters. Considering that many polling stations failed to open, that insurgents attacked voting places with mortars and suicide bombs and that the nominal leaders in Sunni areas of the country all conspired to derail the process, the numbers were exceptional. At least 45 Iraqis were killed, along with one U.S. Marine and the crew of a British C-130 cargo plane, which insurgents say they shot down.

The United States military put on an enormous show of force in the streets. One military leader told reporters that more armor was deployed than at any time since the invasion. Streets were closed. And voters were forced to navigate barricades and rows upon rows of razor wire, and submit to searches, all under the watchful and eyes of U.S. soldiers.

Results from the elections, which included more than 100 different political parties, aren’t expected for several days. And while there were irregularities in many places, there’s reason for hope. The president was correct to push for the elections and keep them on schedule.

President Bush, who rightfully hailed the elections as a success, must now redouble his diplomatic efforts to unite the world in Iraq’s reconstruction. The Iraqis have testified on their own behalf; the United Nations and our European allies should hear them and answer the call. To succeed, however, the administration must dial down the hubris that has accented its foreign policy so far. The positive outcome of the elections is a new opportunity to engage the world. It should not be wasted.

France, which praised the “courage” of Iraqis, has consistently opposed U.S. actions in the country. Surely, now France will recognize the responsibility that democratic nations have to help Iraq succeed.

The insurgency will not end with the passing of the elections. As Iraq sorts out the membership in its newly elected 275-member national council, which will select the country’s president, the government will remain fragile. We have not seen the end to violence in Iraq.

The election provides some relief from the torrent of bad news and death that has dominated the U.S. occupation of Iraq. But much work remains before the promise of this new day can be realized. Iraq is still deeply divided. The Sunni minority, which ruled the country during the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, must be integrated into the government, and a constitution that protects minority rights must be written. There’s still a long way to go.