Bahrain votes in landmark poll

King Hamad has urged people to exercise voting right

By Julia Wheeler BBC Gulf correspondent

Local elections are being held in the Gulf State of Bahrain in the first stage of the country's new move towards democracy.

For many Bahrainis, these elections are an overture to the main event - parliamentary elections due in October.

But these polls are significant because it is the first time in Bahrain's history that women have been able either to stand or to vote in elections.

It is almost three decades since Bahraini men last went to the polls to vote in elections for a parliament that was dissolved in 1975.

More than 300 candidates are standing for election to five 10-seat councils.

They will have responsibility for areas like public works and roads.

More than 10% of the candidates are female.

High turnout expected

These local polls are an initial step in the process of democracy being ushered in by the Bahraini ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa.

When announcing the elections in February, he also announced his promotion from emir to king.

He says he wants to share the burden of government and has encouraged his people to take advantage of their voting right.

King Hamad says if they do not do their duty in this way, democracy will not be able to survive.

Opposition groups in Bahrain have also encouraged their supporters to vote, and turnout is expected to be high.

However, the Bahraini electorate is looking towards October's parliamentary elections as the time when their vote has the potential to make a tangible difference.

Analysts say for many people, the local polls are simply a practice run.