English.news.cn, 2010-10-23,
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| Bahrain's Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa casts his vote for a new parliament at the Riffa poling station, south of the Bahraini capital Manama October 23, 2010. Amid sectarian tensions, Bahraini voters began Saturday their third elections since a parliamentary system was introduced in the island Gulf kingdom in 2001. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
MANAMA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Amid sectarian tensions, Bahraini voters began Saturday their third elections since a parliamentary system was introduced in the island Gulf kingdom in 2001.
Ten voting stations were open Saturday morning till night for about 318,000 registered voters to choose a new parliament consisting of 40 members. The results were expected to be announced on Sunday.
Bahrain is the smallest Gulf Arab nation with a 1.3 million population.
Two months before the elections, Bahrain's majority Shiites who have long complained of discrimination went on street riots to protest against the Sunni-dominated government. The security forces detained more than 250 people and accused 23 Shiite activists of trying to topple the government.
The elected parliament can make policies and supervise the government. But the powers were limited because its bills need to be passed by a 40-strong consultative council appointed by the king which can block legislation from the parliament.
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| People queue to cast their vote at a polling station during parliamentary elections in Riffa, south of the Bahrani capital Manama October 23, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
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| Bahraini women wearing traditional dresses cast their votes for a new parliament at the Riffa poling station, south of the Bahraini capital Manama October 23, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
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