[JURIST] Iraqi officials said Tuesday that beginning January 29, all land borders will be closed for three days in an effort to increase security before the January 30 elections [BBC backgrounder]. The Iraqi Interim Government [official website] has also declared January 29-31 public holidays, closing shops and offices, and has said that only vehicles with official permits will be allowed on roads during the three days. Additional measures to be taken in order to protect voters include the extension of emergency law [JURIST report] and the extension of curfews. BBC News has more.