A former MP and two women were among those who filed their nominations for the Muharraq Governorate Constituency One by-election last night.
Only five hopefuls applied for candidacy in the four hours that the supervisory centre was open, though more have declared their intention to contest in the special elections.
The hopefuls were ex-MP Hamad Al Kooheji, businessman Ibrahim Al Shaikh, lawyer Dr Khalwa Al Shamsi and e-
education researcher Dr Nada Bin Shams.
Less than 30 minutes before the centre closed, the lowest-voted candidate from the last elections arrived. Saleh Al Sadah received only 50 votes in the 2022 General Elections.
When asked about the issues they were planning to hightlight, all hopefuls listed improvement of economic conditions, unemployment and youth empowerment as top priorities.
First to arrive was Mr Al Kooheji, who had come to the Busaiteen Intermediate Girls’ School at 3pm – two hours before the doors opened – ready to reclaim his old post.
“The competition is formidable and I am honoured to have officially submitted my candidacy papers,” said the ex-MP who served in parliament from 2018 to 2022.
He highlighted the 2024-2026 budget, which will be discussed in four months’ time, as well as the Government Action Plan 2023-2026.
The second to arrive was car dealership proprietor Mr Al Shaikh, who runs a chain of motor and vehicle spare part outlets.
The third was retired civil servant and lawyer Dr Al Shamsi, who occupied the role of Grievances and Requests Director at the Prime Minister’s Office and is a veteran government official.
“Elections are a national duty for all Bahrainis and a source of utmost pride,” Dr Al Shamsi said.
“Above all, the people of Busaiteen are my top priority. I will hold a majlis in which constituents can discuss their issues with me,” she added.
She also echoed the theme for this year’s Bahraini Women’s Day, which celebrates women’s role in building the state.
Dr Bin Shams came to the supervisory centre to file her nomination, but had to leave soon to fetch missing paperwork. She later returned and completed the process.
“I am very optimistic about my chances and am confident. My personality is easy to love, and I am quite popular,” she said.
Finally, Mr Al Sadah arrived less than half-an-hour before the doors were set to close and refused to be photographed.
He was made to undergo an Arabic-language test, which is required of all applicants who do not have a higher education degree.
Though the by-elections only cover one constituency, the supervisory centre was fully equipped, with its own committee of judges and two officials to receive candidacy requests.
There were also four computers for constituents to check voters’ rolls and make sure they are eligible to vote.
“In the centre, we check if the candidate is eligible to run,” said supervisory commission Chancellor Dr Ali Al Shuwaikh.
“They must come with the required documents to prove their citizenship, residency and age, and absence of a criminal record.
“Then, a decision is made within three days of the request, either acceptance or rejection. Those who are rejected can appeal it at the Supreme Appeals Court.”
The special elections will be held to fill the seat of former member Mohammed Al Hussaini, whose parliamentary membership was revoked last month after it emerged that he had failed to disclose his dual nationality at the time
of contesting the November 2022 national elections.
of contesting the November 2022 national elections.
Bahrain’s election rules allow candidates to have only dual GCC citizenship; Mr Al Hussaini reportedly also has Pakistani nationality.
Although former MP Mr Al Kooheji had defeated Mr Al Hussaini in the second round of the 2018 General Elections, he was unseated by Mr Al Hussaini in 2022.
The Busaiteen Intermediate Girls’ School will be open to receive nominations today
and tomorrow between 5pm and 9pm.
and tomorrow between 5pm and 9pm.
Candidates should have their smart card and passport copies, birth certificate, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) not exceeding 300 words, two photographs and invoice of the BD200 registration fee paid to the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.
On September 7, voting will take place from 8am to 8pm. A run-off will be held, if needed, on September 14. Overseas voting is set for September 3, and September 10 in case of a run-off.
Outside the constituency, two general polling stations have been announced at Bahrain International Airport and Seef Mall, where eligible
voters will be able to cast their ballots.
voters will be able to cast their ballots.
A hotline, 77277277, has also been set up to answer any enquiries from voters, from 10am to 6pm every day except on Friday.
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