Voter turnout for Bahrain’s parliament by-elections held last Saturday (September 24) stood at 51.4 per cent.

The Cabinet congratulated His Majesty King Hamad on the successful polls.

'Bahraini people have reaffirmed their keenness to preserve landmark achievements of the reform project initiated by His Majesty,' it said in a statement.

Chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at Gudaibiya Palace, the session hailed the polls as stressing Bahrainis' commitment to democracy, being an irrevocable choice to continue the march of achievements and optimise dividends.

It also celebrated the success of by-elections, describing the polls as a 'victory for patriotic will and free political participation'.

The session congratulated elected MPs on winning voters' trust, wishing runners-up success to serve people under the dome of the parliament. A tribute was paid to citizens for their patriotic spirit of responsibility, describing their active participation in the polls as the evidence that reform will continue unabated.

The judiciary, the High Elections Supervisory Committee and the executive panel were lauded for ensuring the probity and transparency of the polls.

HRH the Premier paid tribute to Interior Ministry agencies for maintaining security and ensuring a favourable environment for candidates and voters to exercise their constitutional rights. – TradeArabia News Service