08 Oct 2021; MEMO: Polling stations have been set up in Iraq today to allow security forces, asylum seekers and prisoners to vote in the general elections on a "special voting day."
Election centres in many districts across the country have opened their doors.
Intensive security measures have been taken at the centres to prevent any terrorist attacks.
Military vehicles have also been positioned in front of polling stations, which are surrounded by barbed wire fences. Mobile phones will not be allowed in the voting centres
There are more than 24 million voters in the country of about 40 million people. The remainder of eligible voters will cast their ballots on Sunday.