Iraq announced Saturday a one-month extension for the country's emergency law that gives the interim government special powers to impose curfews and close borders and airports.  

The emergency law would be extended 30 days in a bid to crackdown on insurgents, said a government statement just one day ahead of the historic elections on Sunday.

Emergency law was first imposed for 60 days in November last year before the major offensive on the rebel stronghold of Fallujah.

It was renewed on January 6 by Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi for 30 days to fight against ramping violence aimed at derailing the elections.

The Iraqi government has taken security measures to safeguard Sunday's elections. Land borders have been closed as of Friday and travel between provinces inside the country is also banned.

An extended curfew has been announced in most cities from 7 PM to 6 AM (1600 to 0300 GMT).

(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2005)