Violence tolls in election, Bloodiest Day for U.S. Troops in Iraq.

Violence has only increased ahead of Sunday’s election, which will create a 275-member National Assembly and regional legislatures. 31 US troops died in a helicopter crash in Iraq and five more were killed in insurgent attacks on Wednesday in the deadliest day for American forces since they invaded the country 22 months ago. Four days before the country’s crucial elections, militants set off at least eight car bombings that killed 13 people and injured another 40, including 11 Americans.

A group led by Al Qaeda’s Abu Musabal-Zarqawi, which has been behind most of the worst attacks in the run-up to the ballot, warned voters to stay away from the ‘‘infidel election centers’’ and added they will have only themselves to blame for the consequences if they voted. Militants have launched a campaign to derail Sunday’s election carried out at least six car bombings and a flurry of other attacks on schools to be used as polling stations. Al-Quida warned Iraqis to stay away from the polls. They said that Iraqis have themselves to blame if they are hurt in attacks which are happening against the call of U.S. President George W. Bush on people to “defy the terrorists” and cast ballots in the crucial election. Insurgents have threatened to disrupt the Iraqi election, scheduled for Sunday, and U.S. military commanders predicted the current increase in attacks. They have responded with an increase in operations designed to disrupt insurgent activities. Sunni Muslim terrorists have threatened to sabotage the election by killing voters and poll workers. Many Sunni clerics have called for a boycott because of the presence of U.S. and other foreign troops.

Calling the election a ‘‘grand moment in Iraqi history’’, Bush said at a news conference: ‘‘I urge all people to vote. I urge people to defy the terrorists…They have no clear view of a better future. They’re afraid of a free society.’’ At news conference at the White House, President Bush commented on Wednesday’s deaths. “The story today is going to be very discouraging to the American people. I understand that. We value life. And we weep and mourn when soldiers lose their life,” said Mr. Bush. But the president said the United States will continue with its mission to establish security and democracy in Iraq. “That mission is to enable Iraq to defend herself from terrorists, home grown or terrorists that come in from outside of the country,” he added. Calling the election a ‘‘grand moment in Iraqi history’’, Bush said at a news conference: ‘‘I urge all people to vote. I urge people to defy the terrorists…They have no clear view of a better future. They’re afraid of a free society.’’. In a separate interview with the Arabic satellite news channel Al Arabiya, Mr. Bush commented “Today, a tragic helicopter accident is a reminder of the risks inherent in military operations. We mourn the loss of life. “But I am convinced we’re doing the right thing by helping Iraq become a free country, because a free Iraq will have long-term effects in the world, and it will help the people of Iraq realize their dreams and aspirations and hopes.”