Bahrainis will head to the polls for the second time in less than a year today (Sept 24) to vote in the parliament by-election.

Fifty-five hopefuls are vying for the 14 remaining seats up for grabs in the Northern, Capital and Central Governorates, with 187,080 people eligible to cast their ballots.

Voting will take place in 21 polling stations from 8am to 8pm, including seven in neutral areas for those worried about voting in their own constituency.

They include Bahrain International Airport, King Fahad Causeway, Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain City Centre, Education Ministry in Isa Town, Adhari Park and the BDF Hospital.

Election officials said every step had been taken to ensure the safety of voters and two special hotlines have been set up for anyone facing difficulties.

Four MPs have already been elected unopposed after their rivals pulled out of the race.

Voting has already been held in Bahrain embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions abroad and will be added to the results here.

The Information Affairs Authority hotlines are 32222110 or 32222001.

A former British MP has urged Bahraini citizens not to miss the golden opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Ken Purchase, a former Labour MP from Wolverhampton North East from 1992 until 2010, said Bahrain's progress is well on track under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad.-TradeArabia News Service