BAHRAIN’S national elections have always been “fair and transparent” and don’t need international observers or groups to oversee them, according to a rights group official.
Local civil societies have successfully monitored polls in the past and highlighted shortcomings, said Manama Centre for Human Rights (MCHR) chairwoman Deena Alladhi.
Bahrain has held quadrennial elections regularly since 2002 and this year voting will be held on November 12, with the second round slated for November 19.
There are 40 stations and 15 general stations for voting, including special and designated areas for voters diagnosed with the coronavirus (Covid-19).
The theme of this year’s poll is: “We vote for Bahrain”.
“Bahrain does not require international election observers because of the democratic atmosphere and openness prevalent in the country,” Ms Alladhi told the GDN.
“We strongly feel that a record number of candidates and voters will take part in the 2022 parliamentary and municipal council elections based on the positive feedback we are receiving.”
More than 14,000 citizens have applied to be volunteers for the elections, while 265,138 citizens reviewed the voters’ list last month – the highest ever compared to the previous polls.
Ms Alladhi said that the statistics so far are positive indicators of voter confidence in the election process.
“Bahraini voters are now more aware about their rights and we strongly feel the turnout in this election will break previous records,” said Ms Alladhi, who is also a member of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR).
She added that like other non-governmental organisations, MCHR will submit a request to monitor the polls, and deploy its team of observers across different centres.
The NIHR, Bahrain Transparency Society and the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society have announced that they will train and deploy election monitors.
Election rules stipulate that election monitors must be a Bahraini aged 18 and above, without a criminal record or political affiliation.
The monitoring process usually starts from the moment election campaigning starts – which is a month before polling day.
“Bahrain has a rich experience in organising the elections with integrity, transparency and clear procedures that protect the rights of all parties,” said Ms Alladhi.
“In addition, transparent ballot boxes will be placed in each polling station with booths installed for casting the ballots.”
Post voting, ballot papers are counted in the presence of monitors, candidates, their agents and the media, while an appeal mechanism is in place to address any disputes.
“Activities throughout the day will be streamed live from the start of the voting,” added Ms Alladhi.
Candidates have two weeks to challenge election results through the Cassation Court from the date of the polls.
Candidates will be allowed to file nominations starting from tomorrow until Sunday in designated centres.
Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission president and elections executive director Nawaf Abdulla Hamza announced earlier this week that Covid-19 patients wishing to run for the elections should contact the hotline 77277277 to book an appointment with the relevant supervisory committee, fill in the nomination form (available on vote.bh), and attach the required documents.
Upon arrival at the supervisory committee, the candidate will be received by a committee member to verify his identity.
The potential candidate, while in his/her car, should submit the nomination form and the required documents, as well as pay the non-refundable candidacy fee (BD200 for parliament and BD50 for municipal).
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