Massive turnout of voters in Bahrain's parliamentary, municipal elections

Manama, Nov. 24 (BNA): The general and constituency polling stations across Bahrain are witnessing an unrivaled turnout of registered Bahraini voters for the municipal and parliamentary elections which started today. Large numbers of citizens queued up to participate in the elections in a patriotic scene showing love for Bahrain, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported. 14 general stations and around 40 subsidiary ones, spread according to the electoral constituencies across the kingdom started receiving around 365,000 eligible voters since 8:00 a.m, in a clear indication of citizens' interest in contributing to political and constitutional work laid by the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Bahraini citizens were requested to report today to the polling stations to take part in the fifth quadrennial parliamentary and municipal elections witnessed by Bahrain since the launch of the royal reform project more than a decade ago. Voters will cast their ballots to choose from 293 parliamentary candidates and 137 municipal ones. The polling stations will be open until 8:00 p.m today. The Elections Executive Committee and all relevant parties completed days ago their preparations for the electoral process, under the supervision of a number of judges and around 231 observers from 4 non-government organisations (NGOs). The aim is to achieve the highest level of transparency and impartiality inside and outside the corridors of the polling stations and throughout all the electoral stages so as to further boost Bahrain's democratic image and constant steps towards the future. Bahraini nationals abroad cast their ballots on November 20 in around 24 countries. Elections took place in 29 embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions. The number of voters reached 3600 bringing the participation rate above that of 2014 elections.