Bahrain opposition challenges election turnout figures after boycott call
\nBy Associated Press, Updated: Sunday, September 25, 9:03 AM<\/p>\n
MANAMA, Bahrain \u2014 The head of Bahrain\u2019s main opposition party is challenging the official turnout figures for this weekend\u2019s parliamentary elections, which were held under a boycott call by Shiite-led groups seeking greater rights from the Gulf kingdom\u2019s Sunni rulers.<\/p>\n
Sheik Ali Salman claims about 17 percent of voters took part in Saturday\u2019s elections. The government\u2019s preliminary turnout figure was more than 51 percent, but it was unclear if the tally included counts from districts where candidates ran unopposed.<\/p>\n
Shiite-led opposition groups called for a boycott of parliamentary elections to protest crackdowns. Voting appears very light in most Shiite areas, although busier in districts with Sunni voters who are considered backers of the Gulf kingdom\u2019s monarchy.<\/p>\n
Salman\u2019s Wefaq party and other Shiite blocs urged a boycott to protest crackdowns. He claimed Sunday that the boycott was effective.<\/p>\n
The election was called to fill 18 seats in the 40-member parliament after mass resignations by Shiite lawmakers.
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