BILLBOARDS and banners of a few candidates were ripped apart and damaged as election campaign gathered pace across the four governorates.
Two poll hopefuls who suffered the damages, however, described it as a ‘small glitch’ and said it was a part of the democratic process.
However, one candidate took a tough stance and said it was an act of sabotage and cannot be tolerated.
More than 500 Bahrainis are contesting for the 40 Parliament seats and 30 municipal council positions, with the much-awaited polls scheduled to be held on November 12.
A 4x6 billboard is expected to cost BD270 while smaller banners are priced between BD20 and BD80.
Two Parliament candidates in Capital Governorate’s constituency seven (Jid Ali, Jurdab and Al Nasfa) had their banners torn with both taking different approaches to the incidents.
“Such acts are common during any elections – whether in Bahrain or across the world – and it is budgeted for,” said Parliament candidate Basel Al Arrayedh.
“We are not going to pursue it any further because it’s a small glitch and we are treating it like an accident.
“We shouldn’t let these minor incidents hamper the electoral process and the ultimate goal of serving Bahrain and its citizens.”
Mr Al Arrayedh stressed that highlighting such ‘acts’ would distract people from the importance of the democratic process and honest participation in elections.
However, another contestant from the same constituency – Rabab Shamsan – said she would install security cameras around the house following the ‘acts of vandalism’.
“I entered the electoral battle at the request of many families and residents in my constituency and my home is open throughout the year to more than 120 families,” she said.
“These acts of sabotage aren’t part of our culture and we don’t accept them.
“I received a call from the Capital Trustees Authority informing me that my banners were sabotaged and the police have launched an investigation.
“There are some people who are also moving dumpsters and placing them in front of my banners to block them from the line of view.
“Democracy is in the diversity of opinions and it cannot be achieved by spreading terror and intimidating those who are loyal to Bahrain,” she added.
Parliament candidate Mohammed Buhazza – running for a seat in Southern Governorate’s constituency two (Isa Town – Eastern Part) said children could have accidentally torn one of his billboards and two banners.
“I submitted a report to the police station when I saw my banners torn and I believe it has been done by children or vandals,” he told the GDN.
“We cannot accuse other contestants because this is an honest process and there haven’t been any open dialogues or debates to result in such a reaction. We will replace the damaged banners and continue our campaign.”
A total of 334,713 citizens have been confirmed eligible to vote in the 2022 National Elections, compared with 365,467 citizens in 2018. The theme of this year’s poll is: ‘We vote for Bahrain’.
reem@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))