Tens of thousands of exiles in 14 countries -- ranging from Iran to Sweden to Australia and the United States -- are eligible to vote.
Authorities have meanwhile imposed a security clampdown in a bid to protect the 30 January election within Iraq from insurgent attacks.
Land borders and Baghdad's international airport have been closed, a nighttime curfew has gone into effect, and there are restrictions on road traffic in a bid to deter car bombers.
Violence And Casualties
Reports say U.S. Marines and Iraqi forces came under fire today as they placed concrete barriers around polling places south of Baghdad.
The U.S. military today said two American soldiers died in the crash yesterday of a helicopter in Baghdad. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The fatalities brought to seven the number of U.S. troops who died yesterday. At least 10 Iraqis were also killed.
(AP/AFP)
Related stories:
Iran Turnout Key To Expat Vote
Iraqi Expatriates Cast First Ballots
For news, background, and analysis on Iraq's historic 30 January elections, see RFE/RL's webpage "Iraq Votes 2005."
Authorities have meanwhile imposed a security clampdown in a bid to protect the 30 January election within Iraq from insurgent attacks.
Land borders and Baghdad's international airport have been closed, a nighttime curfew has gone into effect, and there are restrictions on road traffic in a bid to deter car bombers.
Violence And Casualties
Reports say U.S. Marines and Iraqi forces came under fire today as they placed concrete barriers around polling places south of Baghdad.
The U.S. military today said two American soldiers died in the crash yesterday of a helicopter in Baghdad. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The fatalities brought to seven the number of U.S. troops who died yesterday. At least 10 Iraqis were also killed.
(AP/AFP)
Related stories:
Iran Turnout Key To Expat Vote
Iraqi Expatriates Cast First Ballots
For news, background, and analysis on Iraq's historic 30 January elections, see RFE/RL's webpage "Iraq Votes 2005."
