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Saudis begin campaigning for municipal elections

RIYADH, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- Saudi men and women began on Sunday campaigning for the third municipal elections in all provinces across the Kingdom which will run until 10 December.
About 6,917 people, including 5,938 men and 979 women, are vying for seats on 284 municipal councils, said spokesman for the Saudi election commission Jdayye' al-Qahtani.
Only about 131,000 women have signed up to vote, compared with more than 1.35 million men, out of the Saudi population of almost 21 million.
He added that candidates should abide by regulations and laws, and avoid incitement, sectarian or tribal conflict, adding they are also barred from displaying their pictures in public during the 12-day campaigning.
Contenders are not allowed to use public utilities, government facilities, charities, sports and cultural clubs, and non-profit organizations during the campaigning, he noted.
The female candidate can only communicate with the electorate via a TV circuit, he said in a tweet.
The polls are the third of their kind in Saudi Arabia. The previous elections were held in 2005 and 2011.
The number of municipal councils in various regions and provinces of Saudi Arabia is 284, while the total number of their members is 3,159. About 2,016 members are elected, making up the two-thirds of the councils, and about 1,053 ones are appointed.
The elections will mark the first time that women in Saudi Arabia are allowed to vote. (end) od.hm