RIYADH, Dec 25: Indifference has so far marked Saudi Arabia's voter registration drive for the first-ever municipal elections, with only 37 per cent of eligible voters - men only - signing up in the capital.

The final count has not yet been released, but according to the Al Riyadh newspaper, only 148,000 people out of an estimated 400,000 eligible voters have registered in the capital Riyadh so far.

"Voter apathy shows as registration ends," said a headline in the English-language daily Arab News, which claimed that middle-aged and senior citizens "seem to be showing greater enthusiasm in excercising their right than the younger generation".

Columnist Qinan al Ghamidi blamed a brief public awareness campaign for the poor response.

"This is our first experience (of elections) ... The awareness campaign should have started a year ago. Many people do not realise the importance of elections," he said.

A lack of information about the role of municipal councils and disappointment among reform advocates demanding bigger steps towards political participation could also be blamed for the apathy, said columnist Mansur al Nugaidan.

The elections to choose half the members of 178 councils across the country will take place over three rounds, commencing in Riyadh and its vicinity on Feb 10.

Voting in the Eastern Province and the southern region is set for March 3, while electors in the regions of Makkah and Madina, as well as in the northern regions, will not go to the polls before April 21.