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Polls have officially closed in Iraq's first multi-party elections in decades.

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Voting was extended to allow those still queuing at polling stations to cast their ballots, while in some areas counting has begun.

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The poll took place amid an unprecedented security operation.

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Private vehicles have been barred from the road, and the country's borders were shut.

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Iraqis voted for a 275-member Transitional National Assembly, which will be charged with drafting a constitution.

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More than 200 political parties fielded candidates, making for very large ballot papers.

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Voters had their fingers marked with indelible ink to show that they took part.

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In many parts of the country, there was huge enthusiasm to vote.

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Among the first to vote was interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who hopes to stay in power.

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Turnout in many Shia areas was high, with long queues from early in the morning.

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Correspondents reported a festival atmosphere at some polling stations.

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But in Sunni strongholds, demands for an election boycott meant most polling stations were deserted.

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And insurgents continued their attacks, with a number of deaths from suicide bombings.

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Final results are expected to be announced in early February.