Early voting begins in Iraq

Early voting has started in Iraq's general election. In-patients, hospital staff, prisoners, police and security forces are able to cast their ballots early in the country's parliamentary elections.

Early voting has started in Iraq's general election.

Meanwhile, a roadside bomb killed five civilians as early voting was taking place. The blast in the Hurriya neighborhood of northwestern Baghdad occurred near a voting center that will be used in Sunday's poll.

It is the second full national ballot since the war began in 2003.

700 thousand people are expected to participate in the early voting, including 600 thousand security personnel and 50 thousand prisoners.

Voters are set to choose members of ruling councils in 14 of the country's 18 provinces. The terms of office will run for the next four years.

Jawad Abd Kadhim, a hospital employee, said, "Iraqis have been waiting for this day. It is a great pleasure for the Iraqi people to elect those who represent us."

The full national election will be held three days later, on Sunday.

Security is tightened. Security forces are busy protecting the city from attacks during the elections.

The election is regarded as crucial for the country's reconciliation and political process. Iraq has been struggling to improve its security situation in recent years, while preparing itself for a planned withdrawal of US troops at the end of 2011.