United Nation's expert on elections Dr. Ali Aljarbawi has praised the progress of the ongoing phase one of Saudi Arabia's first comprehensive municipal elections process.
Aljarbawi made the remarks following a random inspection tour of several electoral colleges in the city of Riyadh where voters are registering themselves for the first round of the elections which will be held in the capital on February 10. Other regions will vote in March and April.
Aljarbawi considered the mechanism of vote registration, the voting devices and the technologies used in the elections as among the best preparations anywhere in the world for such an occasion.
He indicated that the Saudi experiment in this phase of elections has made great strides, expecting an increase in turnout over the coming two weeks of registration.
It is obvious that turnout is weak in some colleges or registering centers and that it is too early to give a final assessment of this new experience for the Kingdom.
The visit comes within the UN's plan to keep a close eye on Saudi Arabia's first municipal elections experience and provide whatever is required, including consultation, information and expertise.
Aljarbawi expected the elections which kicked off last Tuesday to make good progress and yield satisfactory results. He said the one month period for registration is enough for all eligible voters.
