AL-QATEEF, Saudi Arabia: Shiias have won most seats in the second stage of landmark municipal polls in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, according to preliminary results.

The oil-rich Eastern Province is home to most of Saudi Arabia's Shiias, estimated at more than 15 percent of the kingdom’s population of 17 million.

The results released Saturday showed the Shiias won five of six seats in the Al-Qateef region. They also secured five of the six seats in Al-Ahsa region, where they are believed to represent around 60 percent of the population.

Observers said the Shiias, long kept down, participated largely in the elections to make their presence felt in the kingdom.

An estimated 200,000 voters cast ballots in the municipal elections for half of the municipal councils' members. The rest will be appointed.

In the country’s Eastern Province, the mayor of the provincial capital Dammam estimated turnout at between 70 and 75 per cent and said a number of prominent business and community figures had secured seats on the municipal council.

Saudi women and military personnel were banned from participating in the election, kingdom's first polls in history.

The third and final round of voting will take place in the western regions of Makkah and Medinah, as well as the northern regions, on April 21.

Saudi vote: Shiias, long kept down, hope to get rights AL-QATIF, Saudi Arabia:  Saudi Shiias cast their ballots on Thursday in the second stage of unprecedented municipal elections with a surge of enthusiasm among them which has alarmed some extremists.