TWO special need candidates filed their nominations to run in the upcoming national elections, taking the total contestants in this category to three, as of last night.
Mohammed Habeeb, 36 and Mohammed Ahmed, both will run from Northern Governorate constituency two (Duraz, Bani Jamra and Al Markh) – the former for a parliament seat, and the latter for a municipal council seat. Both are first timers – coming forward with a clear vision for their community.
The GDN reported earlier that wheelchair-bound Saad Mahboob submitted his papers to contest for a seat in Parliament from constituency five (Galali, Amwaj Islands and Diyar Al Muharraq).
The die-hard Muharraq Football Club supporter, who lost in the 2018 polls, had reiterated his faith in his ability to serve the people.
Mr Habeeb, a 36-year-old graphic designer, was very vocal about Bahrainisation.
He reiterated the need for a “balance” in the labour market, amongst citizens and expatriates.
“I wish to highlight the job market issues – especially the disparity in wages – I am a graphic designer and I earn BD300 but I know expatriates doing the same job earning more – it is unfair,” he told the GDN at the Yathrib Intermediate School for Girls in Hamad Town, the supervisory centre for the Northern Governorate.
“Unemployment among Bahrainis is a big issue and I want to raise my voice on the issue of unskilled labourers flooding the market.”
A father of three sons hailing from Deraz who was born physically challenged said he would also address the financial needs of the special need category.
Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed from Bani Jamra, a former employee at the northern municipality for 29 years, feels it was the right time to step into public service.
“I wish to address the problems of people – roads, houses, unemployment, education – all these files are of priority,” the 52-year-old said.
Walking with crutches, he champions those with special needs too.
“I think what is needed is an opportunity to display their capabilities,” he said, referring to his community.
The father to four, two boys and two girls, also expressed his confidence at the public support in his community.
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