Turnout in parliamentary elections for the 19th Lower House, which began at 7 am, was at 25.64 percent at 5:45 pm Tuesday, according to updated figures.

In a real-time update, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said that a total of 1.189,641 million votes, out of a 4,640,643-strong electorate were cast.

Making a statement just one hour before the polls close, IEC spokesman Jihad Momani said that voting was at the same level as in previous parliamentary elections.

He stated that the last two hours of polling usually witness an increase in turnout, pointing out that a heated contest may push some to buy votes, stressing that the commission addresses this issue firmly and has referred 5 cases today to the public prosecution.

Momani stressed that the elections are going smoothly without any glitches, despite some complaints that were dealt with immediately.

On the possibility of extending voting, Momani pointed out that the decision hinges on late turnout in one or more electoral districts.

Turnout in parliamentary elections for the 19th Lower House, which began at 7 am, was at 25.64 percent at 5:45 pm Tuesday, according to updated figures.

In a real-time update, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said that a total of 1.189,641 million votes, out of a 4,640,643-strong electorate were cast.

Making a statement just one hour before the polls close, IEC spokesman Jihad Momani said that voting was at the same level as in previous parliamentary elections.

He stated that the last two hours of polling usually witness an increase in turnout, pointing out that a heated contest may push some to buy votes, stressing that the commission addresses this issue firmly and has referred 5 cases today to the public prosecution.

Momani stressed that the elections are going smoothly without any glitches, despite some complaints that were dealt with immediately.

On the possibility of extending voting, Momani pointed out that the decision hinges on late turnout in one or more electoral districts.