Security tight as Iraq prepares to vote

Security along Iraq's borders is tight on the eve of nationwide parliamentary elections, after an insurgent warning they would try to disrupt the vote.

Around the country, hundreds of thousands of police and military patrol the streets.

Thursday a series of blasts across the Iraqi capital targeted early voters, killing 17 people.

Despite the violence, Iraq's prime minister is urging voters to head to the polling stations.

Nouri Al-Maliki, Iraqi Prime Minister, said, "I call upon you to benefit from democracy with consciousness. And you have to go to the ballots and take part in the elections actively. I also call upon you to choose well the one you choose for the next mission."

Shoppers in Baghdad, head for food markets to stock up on supplies ahead of an extended 24-hour curfew expected to take effect midnight Saturday.

Security along Iraq's borders remains tight on the eve of the elections.

Iraqi troops were on high alert in Anbar, which overlooks the Iraq-Syria border, and Basra which is adjacent to the border with Iran.

The eastern Iraq-Iran border was closed Saturday and will remain so for the duration of the electoral process.