Addressing a crowded press conference at the 51st floor of the towering Bahrain Financial Harbor building in Manama on Friday, Chief Election Commissioner Khaled bin Ali Al-Khalifa and Information Affairs Authority chief Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa described the elections to the 40-member lower house of Parliament as a landmark event.

This is the third time Bahrain is holding elections since landmark political reforms were initiated by King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in 2001.

"Bahrain stands on the threshold of a new chapter in its parliamentary history," said Khaled Al-Khalifa. "We call on all Bahraini citizens over the age of 20 to exercise their democratic right, to cast their vote and make their voices heard. On our part, we will ensure that this momentous exercise is carried out safely, fairly and in a transparent manner."

He added that the people of Bahrain have demonstrated in the past not to be swayed by outside forces. "Our citizens know fairly where their welfare lies. They are intelligent enough to thwart the designs of the enemies of peace and progress."

There are nearly 140 candidates in the fray. They belong to different political groupings such as Al-Wefaq, Al-Asalah, Minbar and Mustaqbal.

Responding to a question about the crackdown on some political activists, Khaled Al-Khalifa said it had nothing to do with elections. "If a crime has taken place, it is the duty of the law-enforcing authorities to bring the criminals to book. We did not tell the criminals to choose this time for their criminal activity," he said. "There is no political vendetta. The two issues are separate. Election campaigning has taken place in the best possible manner and there is lot of excitement among the people."

He admitted that some elements were trying to create fear in the minds of people.

"There will always be people who try to fish in troubled waters. Some people think by creating fear they will be able to deter the Bahraini people. That is not happening and will not happen." The campaigning has been largely peaceful, he added.

He said elections have been a learning experience for both the Bahraini people and government. "Those who took part in 2002 and 2006 elections have become wiser. They are aware of whatever their representatives have done in the lower house of Parliament after their victories. Now is the time for accountability. This is what elections are all about."

The government has become more responsive to people's needs, he said. "The input from the people's representatives in formulating key policies now carries immense weight. Their view is taken into full consideration when formulating new policies," said Khaled Al-Khalifa.

According to the commissioner, it is going to be like a wedding on Saturday. "Saturday will see Bahrain in a festive mood, like the one you see during weddings," he said. "And we want the world's media to chronicle this event."

More than 100 Arab and foreign media representatives as well as 14 TV channels are covering the election. "This significant world media presence will lend an element of fairness and transparency to the elections," said Information Affairs Authority chief Fawaz Al-Khalifa.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Al-Wefaq. This political grouping did extremely well in the 2006 elections. It won all 17 seats it contested and the one independent candidate that it supported also won. This time, Al-Wefaq is contesting 18 seats and is confident of a clean sweep.

"We are very confident. Ours are committed voters. There is no reason why we will not be able to repeat the success we achieved in 2006," top Al-Wefaq leader Jasim Husain told Arab News.

Husain said he and his party are pretty excited about the polling on Saturday. "We have left nothing to chance. All of us are feeling great. We are also sad that the election campaigning has come to an end. The late-night parties and election meetings have all come to an end. We are suddenly feeling empty. Good results will mean more celebrations," he added.

However, Husain's excitement was not shared by people on the street. "What will the elections bring me? On Saturday I will still be looking for passengers to earn my daily livelihood," said taxi driver Ansar Al-Mosawi.

Business management student Hussein Al-Faleh said he would vote if his friends did.

"I am not very keen on voting. In any case, there is nothing in it for me. These politicians love fighting and sloganeering and nothing else. We need jobs and more jobs."