AFP/Manama
Voters turned out in low numbers for a second round of by-elections in Bahrain yesterday boycotted by the Shia opposition, witnesses said.
The elections were held to replace 18 MPs of the main Shia opposition formation Wefaq, who resigned in February shortly after Shia-led protests sparked a crackdown.
Four deputies were elected on September 24 in the absence of any competitors, and five seats were allocated. In nine districts, “no candidate received 50% of the vote”, necessitating the second round.
Witnesses said less than a dozen voters in 20 minutes turned up yesterday at the largest polling station in Sehla, while a sole voter cast his ballot over the same period in the Shia village of Sanabes.
Polling was brisker in special stations set up outside Shia districts to allow voters to take part without being identified.
“Obviously if Wefaq were here it would have been better but I understand their decision to boycott,” said one voter, Khaled Ibrahim, 48.
An independent candidate in Sehla, Ali al-Haddad, said he would not have run if Wefaq had taken part, calling for the release of political prisoners and the rehiring of employees sacked for taking part in anti-regime protests.
The first round was held in an atmosphere of tension. The opposition reported a low voter turnout but the government said 51% of eligible voters had cast ballots.
The interior ministry said 22 people were arrested last month for attempting to obstruct the vote by closing roads, damaging cars in a parking lot near a polling station or by pouring oil in front of another.
A policeman casts his vote during the run-off by-elections in Manama yesterday.