BAGHDAD, Jan 24: Iraqi election officials on Saturday ordered transport bans and night-time curfews to boost security during the provincial polls on Jan 30 and 31.

Iraq’s borders will be sealed off as well as all civilian airports and provincial borders from 10pm (1900 GMT) on Friday until 5am (0200 GMT) on Feb 1, the election commission announced.

Curfews are to be imposed next Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 5am, and civilians banned from carrying guns, even with a permit.

Only vehicles with official authorisation will be allowed to take to the streets of Baghdad and provincial capitals on Saturday.

“In no instance will any car be authorised to approach a polling station,” it said.

Both days of polling are to be declared public holidays.—AFP