"We will not return to punish you," the leaflets said, according to a translation released by the British, who control the country's southern region.

One leaflet said: "Please don't spend your money on this movie.

"Do not allow this historic moment to be lost," said the leaflet.

Although the leaflets did not say those who voted would be killed, that is what the residents believe, the sheiks said.

"This is a final warning to all of those who plan to participate in the election," the leaflets said.

You cannot be turned down for any reason," say the publicity leaflets.

"Everybody who has not left the city will be destroyed," the leaflets said.

That is why our leaflets say 'in company with people from other Churches'.

"A new czar is being imposed on the country," one leaflet said.

Although the leaflets do not explicitly say whom to vote for, the message is hard to miss.