BAGHDAD, Dec 11: Iraq will close its borders and impose curfews across the country as part of extensive security arrangements to thwart insurgent attacks on Thursday’s election, the interior ministry said on Sunday. Thousands of Iraqi policemen and soldiers, backed by the US military, will be on the country’s streets to try to ensure Iraqis can safely vote for their first full parliament since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Nearly 8,000 Iraqi special forces alone will surround polling sites on the day of the vote, a top Iraqi officer said.

US forces, eager to show that the elections are an entirely Iraqi affair, have said they plan to stay away from polling sites and rush in troops only in emergencies.

Businesses and government offices will close from Tuesday to Saturday and overnight curfews will run from 10pm until 6am each day. No vehicles except those with special permits will be allowed on the streets.

Civilians had been banned from carrying firearms outside their homes even if they have permits and were encouraged not to carry large bags or anything that could be considered suspicious, officials said.

—Reuters