39 quit poll fray in Eastern Province

DAMMAN: The Public Electoral Committee announced that last Thursday was the final day for candidates to withdraw from the upcoming municipal elections, according to the head of the electoral media committee in the Eastern Province, Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al Sufyaan.
The total number of male and female candidates who have now withdrawn from next month's municipal elections in the Eastern Province is 39.
Despite the significant number of withdrawals overall, there were in fact no withdrawals in Dammam's 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th electoral districts, as well as in Al Rafiia, Quliab, Al-Lahaba, Baqeeq, Qariya Al-Ulia and Jouf beni Hajer.
"From the 4th electoral district, two candidates withdrew, while from the 5th district, one candidate withdrew. One candidate withdrew from each of the 6th, 8th and 9th districts," Al-Sufyaan added.
He noted that two candidates from Al-Saraar, two from Ariera, three from Ayn Dar, five from Jubail, one from Qatif, five from Khafji, two from Ras Tanoura and two from Malieja withdrew as well. In the subcommittee of Hafr Al-Batin, 11 candidates withdrew. According to the electoral regulations, candidates are permitted to withdraw during the registration period, but have to do this through a formal application to the elections committee.
Elections are due to take place on Dec. 12 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Winners will be announced the following day.