Candidates backed by religious shaikhs have triumphed over tribal opponents and business people in Saudi Arabia's landmark elections in Riyadh, according to preliminary results.

Losing candidates cried foul on Friday, saying six of the seven victors had violated a ban on election alliances when their names were circulated via mobile phones and the internet to voters in the kingdom with messages suggesting they had the backing of religious figures. 

Thursday's municipal elections in Riyadh and outlying areas were the first stage of a nationwide vote that is edging towards political reform under pressure from the United States and domestic activists. 

Many candidates

Hundreds of candidates registered to stand for the seven seats up for grabs in the capital. The other seven seats will be appointed, and the powers of the municipal councils are likely to be limited.

Women were barred from voting or standing for posts. 

At least one candidate was estimated to have spent millions of riyals on election posters, newspaper advertisements and rallies as part of his unsuccessful campaign. 

Election commission chief Prince Mansur bin Mitaib bin Abd al-Aziz said the Riyadh city council winners were Abdallah al-Suwailim, Sulaiman al-Rashudi, Tariq al-Qassabi, Abd al-Aziz al-Umari, Umar Basudan, Ibrahim Quaid and Misfir al-Bawardi.

Turnout in the capital was 65% of registered voters, though only a small fraction of the eligible male voters bothered to register in December, reflecting skepticism over the powers the half-elected councils will wield.

PHOTO CAPTION

A Saudi reads news of the country's municipal elections at a hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Feb. 11, 2005. (AP)