Registration opens on Monday for Bahrainis who wish to vote abroad at their respective embassies for the by-election in Muharraq Governorate Constituency One.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda said overseas voters (from constituency one) who wish to cast their votes can verify their details on the elections website, or at the headquarters of the embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission.
“The diplomatic missions of the Kingdom of Bahrain abroad will begin receiving citizens to review and register their names in the list of eligible voters in the first constituency in Muharraq Governorate, for a period of three days, from Monday to Wednesday during official working hours – provided the voter is registered in the electoral rolls in the vacant constituency,” said a statement.
The Foreign Ministry’s Consular Service chief Ambassador Ibrahim Al Muslimani confirmed the readiness of diplomatic missions abroad to receive citizens.
The by-election will be held on September 7 from 8am to 8pm to choose a replacement for former MP Mohammed Al Hussaini after his parliamentary membership was revoked last month.
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 (8am to 8pm based on local time of the country where the mission is located).
Eight candidates including two women are in the fray. They are, former MP Hamad Al Kooheji, businessman Ibrahim Al Shaikh, lawyer Dr Khalwa Al Shamsi, researcher Dr Nada Bin Shams, Saleh Al Sadah, Bahrain Chamber member Abduwahed Qarata, former candidate Abdulaziz Al Mannai and newcomer Malallah Al Qahtani.
“A special committee will be formed in each embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain abroad, headed by the Ambassador, Consul General or head of the diplomatic mission. Two officials from the embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission will be members, one of whom will act as the committee’s secretary,” said Mr Al Muslimani.
The committee will also directly join in the counting of ballots and in electoral supervision.
Mr Al Muslimani also pointed out that citizens wishing to vote abroad in the by-election should register their names according to the set guidelines. They can avail the services and facilities either by visiting the headquarters of the mission, by directly contacting the Consular Services at the Ministry or through the official election account (vote.bh).”
He highlighted ongoing co-operation between the Foreign Ministry and the Supreme Committee for supervising the by-elections, as well as ambassadors, diplomats and administrators to facilitate the voting process and ensure the success of the national event ‘aimed at enhancing the democratic experience in the kingdom’.
The main voting centre for Muharraq Governorate Constituency One, which covers Busaiteen and Al Sayah, will be the Busaiteen Intermediate Girls School.
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 in the by-election to Muharraq Governorate constituency became necessary after the Cassation Court, on July 10, revoked the parliamentary membership of Mr Al Hussaini for failing to disclose his dual nationality at the time of contesting the November 2022 national elections.
The GDN had highlighted Mr Al Hussaini’s case on June 29 when he appeared in court facing charges of not disclosing his second nationality.
Post the court verdict, Mr Al Hussaini announced that he was quitting political life and planning to return to ‘research and writing’.
A hotline, 77277277, has also been set up to answer any enquiries from voters, from 10am to 6pm every day except on Friday.
There have so far been no objections to candidates who have filed nominations in the by-poll.
Election supervisory commission chancellor Dr Al Shuwaikh said no nominees came to the supervisory centre yesterday to request data alteration or present a reason why another nominee may not be allowed to contest.
Today is the last day to request amendments to the candidate list, he added.
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