Peace be upon you,

In fulfillment of the many requests that we received to provide a way to answer the questions & Queries about the Municipal Elections, The management of Saudi Election Website has created a section for Questions and Answers.

We have gathered these Questions and Answers from 3 Sources.

1. Ministry of Municipal Affairs
2. Riyadh Municipality
3. Q&A sessions with HRH Prince Mansour Bin Mutaeb Bin Abdulaziz

The management will pass the new Questions to the proper officials for their answers and shall be added to the list.

What is the meaning of Election?

There are different definitions for election or the election process but in general terms, it is defined as a group of people voting in favor of one of more candidates through an organized process and according to one of the iternationally approved systems.

What is the Municipal Council?

It is an elected council authorized to undertake specific duties as defined by the law.

What is the importance of the Municipal Election?

It enables people to be active participants, sharing the responsibilities with their elected officials.

Who is handling responsibilities in the Municipality?

1- The Municipal Council's role is to authorize and control.
2- The President of the Municipals executes decisions with the assistance of municipal sections.

What are the duties of the Municipal council?

The Municipal Council makes decisions for all affairs related to the municipal as stated by the law:
•  Managing the organizational chart, municipal budget, closing account, municipal funds, revenues and expenditures. 
•  Setting all procedures related to the conditions of planning and organizing.
•  Supervising the day-today work of the municipal and boosting its efficiency.
•  Proposing development projects for the city.

Who is the voter?

Every qualified citizen who has registered their name on the voter's list of their municipality, as per the terms and conditions outlined in the system is a voter.

What are the qualifying conditions of a voter?

•  The voter has to be at least 21 years of age on the day of the election.
•  The voter must not be a person serving in the millitary.
•  The voter should be living within the area of their municipality.

How can a person register their name to vote?

Voter should report to the nearest voting location in their area of residence. They must bring their Saudi National ID, and proof of residence.

How can I prove that I am residing at a place?

• Ownership document, lease contract, telephone/electricity bill.
• A certificate from: your work, governorate, mayor, police station or two witnesses.

When is registration?

Registration is from Tuesday 10/10/1425H to Wednesday 10/11/1425H.

What should a person expect upon arrival at the registration center?

They will be greeted by a receptionist and thereafter be guided to registration staff who will then record their name and other information and issue a voter ID.

If a person is qualified, but not registered to vote, can they still vote?

No, A person must be registered to vote.

Can a person register another person?

No, No one is authorized to register on behalf of another person except for the handicapped, according to the specific conditions and forms.

In Riyadh there are several election centers, can a person register at any one of them?

Although, a citizen has the right to go to any one of the election centers for registration, we suggest that they go  to the nearest center of their residence in order to be able to reach it easily on election day.

Does a person have to vote in the same center they registered in?

Yes, The voter has to go to the same center where they registered their name for voting day.

Can a person register their name in more than 1 election center within Riyadh or within the Kingdom?

Citizen are not allowed to register more than once or to register in more than one election center. If a person  hase more than one residence in different cities, then they have to select one of them for registration.

Can a person vote more than one time?

No, voting more than one time is a violation of the law.

Is registration confidential?

No, Registration is a public affair wher journalists and authorized media representatives can watch according to procedures. 

Is it possible to browse the election registration list upon the closing date of the registration?

Yes, Effective Saturday (13/11/1405) upon the closing date a list will be published in the election centers. (For those who have questions according to the election procedures). 

Who are the potential candidates?

Every qualified registered voter who has filed their candidacy for the municipal election and registered their name in the final candidacy list is a candidate.

How can a person file candidacy for the municipal election?

If they are qualified and have registered their name in the voting list then they may file their candidacy for the municipal election. They must go to the voting center area were they want to declare their candidacy and file for it in writing in the specified forms. This is from Sunday (14/11/1425) to Thursday (18/11/1425)

What are the qualifying conditions of a candidate?

•  Must be  a Saudi Citizen by blood or birth or a naturalized citizen for the past 10 years minimum.
•  Should not be less than 25 years of age.
•  Should live permanently in the elected area as long as his term lasts.
•  Must not have been convicted of any crime or imprisoned in the last 5 years.
•  Must not have been terminated from public service for disciplinary reasons within the las 5 years.
•  Must have good command of reading and writing, and be legally qualified.
•  Must not have been found guilty of fraud or bankruptcy.

What is the municipal election zone?

It is a place declared by the Ministry for processing the election.

Can a person file for candidacy in more than one election?

The number of the election centers in Riyadh is (7), and a person is not allowed to file candidacy in more than one election center.

How many members are there in the Riyadh Municipal Council?

There are 14 members of which seven of them are elected and one of each municipal.

What is the tenure of the Municipal Council?

Four years, effective on the issuance of the appointment date.

If a person is qualified, can they file candidacy without registering themselves?

No. Registration is necessary for both voting and candidacy.

Does a member of 1 particular Mun. Council have rights to be a member in more than 1 Mun. Council?

No. furthermore, a member is prohibited from the following actions:

What is meant by elections campaign?

This is a set of activities carried out by the candidate or his staff in purpose to familiarize the electors with the candidate aiming to gain their votes on the day of election According to the rules that regulate this matter, the campaign starts on Saturday 18/12/1425H.

What is the contestations and complaints committee?

This is a committee compiled by a resolution issued by the minister, to look into contestations and complaints of the electors and candidates, review and judge on them.

When and how can I practice voting?

Voting is a confidential process. You can approach the poll center where you are rolled, on Thursday 01/1/1425H any time from 8:00am to 5:00pm and present your (Election Card) and the model (Elector Model) which you received on the registration day, then the officer will give you a paper to be filled confidentially as specially designed for each candidate, then put it in the box specified.

Does this mean I can vote for more than one candidate at the same time?

Yes, you can vote for any number of candidates for the seven electoral districts (One name for each district).