Turnout picks up in Baghdad's Sadr City

Despite fears of a low turnout, at midday dozens of people, including whole families, were pouring into polling stations in Baghdad's sprawling Sadr City district.

Graffiti outside one polling station read "Knowledge kills ignorance", as voters searched for their names on registration sheets taped outside.

Khaled, 44, said he had voted for Muqtada al-Sadr's political party.

Khaled, 44, is optimistic about the Sadrist movement's chances in the polls (MEE/Alex MacDonald)

"I think - no, I am certain they are on the right path and will change things for the better," he said, displaying his ink-stained finger as proof of his vote.

"I'm sure they will [win] because they have a lot of popularity."

Security guards had been standing outside the polling station for 10 days. Despite passes issued by the Independent Higher Elections Commission (IHEC), guards said no journalists were allowed inside the voting station, citing orders from Baghdad Operations Command.

Another voter, 22-year-old Yasser, said he had cast a ballot for Imtidad, the party founded by doctor and activist Alaa al-Rikabi associated with the anti-government protest movement.

"They have a roadmap they will work on," he said. "Gradually, bit by bit things will get better."