Manama, Oct17(BNA)Twelve general polling stations will open their doors for Bahrainis to cast their votes in the 2014 parliamentary and municipal polls-up from ten in past elections.

In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Legislation and Legal Opinion Chief, Bahrain Elections 2014 Executive director Abdulla Al-Buainain said that the locations of the twelve general polling stations would be announced soon.
He said that the flux of candidates filing their nominations on the first day exceeded all expectations, describing the process as being successful and smooth.
He expected a surge in nominations on the last day on Sunday (October19) as several candidates prefer to wait for the final map of candidates to become clear in different constituencies.
Mr. Al-Buainian said that the redrawing of the constituencies did not have any impact on the work of electoral supervisory committees, stressing the importance of organizational procedures and contingency plans to confront any potential challenges.
He announced that the final lists of candidates would be announced on closing registration, adding that the door would be open them for complaints to be filed.
He stressed the right of all candidates to start their elections campaign once the judge approves their nominations to run in the 2014 parliamentary and municipal polls.
“Coordination has been established over the past four months with competent authorities to ensure a smooth electoral process”, he said, urging all parties to contribute to the success of the elections which would bolster the standing of Bahrain.
“The success of the elections is a success for the Kingdom of Bahrain itself”, he said, stressing the need to celebrate the day of the polls (November22) as a national day.
He urged citizens to rally on November 22, cast their ballots and vote for Bahrain, transcending all interests and maneuvering.

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BNA 0807 GMT 2014/10/17