Last Saudi regions vote in polls

Saudi male voters are electing half the members of local councils

Men in several parts of Saudi Arabia are taking part in the final stage of landmark municipal elections.

Thursday's votes are being held in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as in Jeddah and Taif and areas of northern Saudi Arabia.

Women are not allowed to vote or stand. Only half the 500 members of the country's municipal councils are being elected - the rest are appointed.

However the polls are seen as a step towards reform in the kingdom.

BBC regional analyst Roger hardy says religion and tribal affiliation are important factors in the elections, and Saudis have reacted to it all with varying emotions.

Low voter registration suggests many are apathetic.

But for others, our correspondent adds, the polls are both a novel experience and a potential turning-point.

A country whose king once declared democracy was not compatible with its traditions has now embarked - slowly and hesitantly - on a new course, he says.