Bahrain reports 67% turnout in parliamentary elections

Bahraini voters turned out in large numbers to select their representatives at national and municipal level in polling on Saturday.

The preliminary rate of voter turnout has been announced at 67%, well above the 53% witnessed during the Kingdom's last elections in 2014, according to Bahrain News Agency.

Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Bahrain Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, revealing the participation figure after the close of polling, said: "The increased turnout builds on the success of the 2014 elections, and ensures a clear mandate for a parliament representing the diverse range of views in Bahraini society."

Bahrainis' commitment to exercising their ballot was a clear indication of Bahrainis' support for the process of democratisation, he added, and showed their rejection of external forces who have deliberately sought to derail the electoral process.

The 2018 elections have seen a record number of women candidates, with 39 women standing election to the House of representatives and 8 for municipal councils.