POLL campaign managers and candidates who violate rules or indulge in foul play could face up to three years in jail, it has emerged.
The warning has been issued as the country gears up for the National Elections to be held later this year.
Managers and teams of hopeful municipal councillors and MPs have been informed about fair tactics and practises during the run-up to polls.
They were briefed about the electoral process at a two-day programme, organised by Parliament at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya. The sessions concluded yesterday.
Several violations have been documented in the past, including billboard vandalism, threatening phone calls and intimidation, illegal campaigning by children on candidates’ behalf, improper campaigning by candidates outside polling stations and harassment of veiled women trying to cast their ballots.
Sources told the GDN that voters’ lists were expected to be out next month while parliament and municipal council elections will be held in November.
Parliament legal commission consultant Dr Muhannad Al Tarawanah revealed that punishment for foul play could go up to two years in jail, a fine of up to BD2,000, or both.
However, he added that if offenders are in some way directly involved in the election, the punishment will be three years in jail and a fine of up to BD3,000.
“Criminalised acts include adding or deleting names from electoral lists; stealing, hiding or tampering with ballot papers; and voting multiple times by falsifying documents,” explained Dr Al Tarawanah.
“Preventing voters from reaching electoral centres through demonstrations or threats; and attempting to smear a candidate through false information are also punishable as poll crime,” he added.
“Campaigning and promotions should be done in a fair manner and no dirty tactics should be adopted.
“People involved should realise that the utmost goal is to serve the nation, whoever wins the seat.”
In 2018, the GDN witnessed several incidents of vandals targeting candidates’ billboards, while one parliamentary hopeful said eggs were thrown at cars belonging to her relatives. The billboards of at least nine candidates were vandalised.
Also speaking at the elections’ programme were Parliament legal research head Sayed Ali Al Wedaie, Legislative and foreign affairs committees’ affairs head Lulwa Al Rumaithi, and Legalisation and Legal Opinion Commission adviser Ali Al Binali.
Other speakers include Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Gender Balance Centre director Rania Al Jarf, Parliamentary Training and Studies Centre financial researcher Ahmed Al Hoori and Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman MP Ahmed Al Amer.
Parliament officials Yousif Al Greenese and Bilal Ahmadi gave participants live demonstrations on parliamentary work.
A two-day workshop for hopeful candidates will be held next month and they would be given specialised training on parliamentary planning, responsibilities and duties.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))