Iraq goes to polls today to elect a new Parliament amidst elaborate security arrangements. Iraq's electoral commission said 50 thousand polling stations spread over 18 provinces have been set up for one crore 90 lakh eligible voters. 6529 candidates representing 86 political entities are contesting for the 325 member Parliament. The amended electoral law of December 2009 stipulates that Parliament should comprise 82 female representatives and accordingly all parties have allotted 25 per cent tickets to women candidates.Security is a major concern in this election as insurgent groups have threatened to disrupt the polls. Large number of security personnel have been deployed for the security and smooth conduct of elections. Voice of Iraq news agency quoting official spokesperson of the Baghdad Operations Command Gen. Qassim Atta has reported that a curfew has been imposed on Baghdad and Ramadi since last night as a preparation for the election day. All airports and border points have also been closed.Iraqi expatriates are also voting for country's Parliamentary elections under early voting scheme in 80 cities across 16 countries and the process will continue until today.Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all Iraqis to exercise their democratic right to vote. In a statement , received by Prasar Bharti his spokesperson has said that the secretary general has welcomed the reaching of another ‘important milestone’ in Iraq’s political development, and stressed the importance of the parliamentary election and voiced their hope for a strong and peaceful turnout.