Iraqis head to the polls

About 600,000 Iraqis living abroad had the opportunity to vote early [AFP].

In total, 19 million Iraqis are eligible to vote in what is the second full parliamentary elections since the 2003 US-led invasion. [AFP]

Standing for election are over 6,000 candidates from 86 political groups - including Shia, Sunni and secular parties. [AFP]

With violence still a major concern, security has been stepped up around the elections. [AFP]

A 200,000-strong Iraqi security force has been put on duty in the capital and a curfew put in place. [AFP]

Despite the security measures, a series of attacks as polls opened left at least 24 people dead and destroyed a residential building.