Iraq has been taking additional security measures before Sunday parliamentary elections seen as a crucial precursor to a complete US military withdrawal from the country, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported on Saturday.
Military units and security forces took under control all streets in Baghdad and blocked access to polling stations wrapped in barbed wire.
Iraq's Deputy Interior Minister Lt.-Gen. Iden Khalid told KUNA that the authorities "have all resources and experience to ensure security of polling stations, voters and ballot papers."
Temporary traffic restrictions and curfew were imposed in Basra, Iraq's third largest city and main seaport, and some other cities.
According to KUNA, some 18.5 million people are expected to vote at more than 80,000 polling stations across Iraq.
A total of 6,292 candidates from 12 coalition blocs and 165 political units will run for 325 seats in the Iraqi parliament.
ABU DHABI, March 6 (RIA Novosti)
