A round-the-clock curfew imposed in Baghdad ahead of Saddam Hussein's conviction and death sentence eased on Monday, with residents once more allowed to walk the streets and sidewalks of the city.
However, as the US midterm elections come on Tuesday, both Republicans and Democrats are striving to win more support. But will the death sentence of the former Iraqi President affect the potential outcome?
CRI's Chen Xi has the report.
Reporter:
 Although President George W. Bush hailed Saddam Hussein's sentencing on Sunday, a recent poll shows Republicans are lagging behind.
Deputy Director at the Center for American Studies with Renmin University of China, Professor Jin Canrong believes the death sentence will be of little help to the Bush administration.
"As more and more US citizens grow suspicious and unsatisfied with the US government's policy in Iraq, support for the Republicans has steadily decreased. I agree that the trial itself has too much of a political atmosphere."
Polls show a majority of voters, 58 percent, are casting their votes for Democrats in the Congress, compared to 38 per cent for Republicans.
Democratic senior officials say they are confident that they can ride a wave of public disenchantment with the Bush administration and the Iraqi War.
However, officials with the White House say that the timing of Saddam's death sentence coincides with US elections to produce positive results for Republicans. They also suggest a new diplomatic project for the Middle Ease peace process, urging Syria and Iran, the neighboring countries of Iraq, to help maintain stability there.
In addition, US President Bush called Saddam Hussein's sentencing a "milestone" for both the American and Iraqi people.
Deputy Director of China's Institute of Contemporary International Relations, Professor Li Shaoxian, says Saddam's death sentence is conducive to a Republican victory, but more US policy changes must be made.
"Up until now, US policy in Iraq has relatively failed and it has been strongly debated within the past few days. I think the Bush administration has been continuously adjusting its policies to avert disavantage for Republicans in the midterm elections."
The professor adds that the conviction of Saddam is purely political and can prove to be favorable for both parties. However, the foremost issue right now must be the prevention of a potential riot in Iraq over Saddam's sentencing.
Chen Xi, CRI News
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Director: Liu Chi