Security beefed up in Iraq

BAGHDAD, JANUARY 25 (AGENCIES)

Iraqi security forces are stepping up their presence on the streets to show people it is safe to vote. Many believe the country's first democratic election in decades is dominated by fear.
That comes despite the expected presence of 300,000 US-led foreign and Iraqi forces on polling day.
The insurgency's continual attacks and threats aimed at hindering the vote have led to massive security measures to protect the electorate.
The January 30 elections will see Iraqis choose a 275-seat National Assembly and provincial councils - the first nationwide balloting since Saddam Hussein was ousted in 2003.
Large turnouts are expected among Iraq's majority Shiite Muslims in the south and minority Kurds in the northeast.