Blasts in other Iraqi cities have killed dozensthis week, underscoring warnings that insurgents would attempt todisrupt the vote with violence. An al-Qaida front group issued astatement on Friday telling people not to leave their homes on electionday.
A group of Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims were waiting to boardthe bus after visiting a famous shrine when the blast occurred about100 meters away, a witness said.
"I was shocked by thescene, pools of blood and people lying on the ground soaked with theirown blood," said Ahmed Fakhir, 21, an Iraqi translator who was with theIranian pilgrims.