Iraqis cast first votes as tensions mount

IRAQ’S election for its first full-term parliament since Saddam Hussein’s overthrow began with special groups voting yesterday.

Militants branded the poll ungodly and vowed to turn the country into an Islamic state.

Election day is set for Thursday but the infirm, security forces members and detainees voted early in hospitals, barracks and jails, inking their fingers to guard against multiple voting.