DPA

 

Polling hours were unexpectedly extended yesterday as Bahrainis voted for a new parliament amid a boycott by the Shia-led opposition, which is demanding wider reforms in the kingdom.

The elections are Bahrain’s first since 2011.

The turnout has been mostly high in pro-government districts.

“I am convinced that the new parliament will have major powers,” Mustafa al-Sayed, a voter, said, after leaving a polling station in the area of Sitra, south of the capital, Manama.

“I am happy that I participated (in voting). This is good for Bahrain,” he told independent newspaper Al-Wasat

But turnout was low in Shia districts. Several centres in those districts were empty.

The electoral commission extended the balloting by two hours, so polls would close at 10pm, Al-Wasat reported. The extension seems designed to encourage more voters to cast their ballots.

Preliminary results are expected today. Any run-off will be conducted November 29.

A total of 266 candidates, both Sunnis and Shias, vied for the 40-seat lower house of parliament.

One contender won a seat after two rivals in his district quit the race before the voting day, leaving him the sole candidate.

Voting is also taking place for seats in local governments, with 153 candidates competing for a variety of posts.

Large numbers of security forces have been deployed around the polls.

Sporadic clashes occurred in some Shia areas between police and protesters. Some protesters also closed roads, prompting police to reopen them.

The Shia opposition dismissed the elections as fake, claiming they lacked democratic guarantees.

 “We will continue our peaceful struggle and action until a political solution is reached,” said a statement, which was released following a meeting at the headquarters of the  opposition Shia al-Wefaq party.

 

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