BAHRAIN’S main rights watchdog yesterday announced that it will monitor the by-elections in Muharraq Governorate constituency one on Saturday.
The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) said its team of trained observers will be present at the dedicated polling centres to register any violations.
It also confirmed that it will be monitoring the run-off election to be held, if needed, on September 14.
NIHR chairman Ali Al Derazi and a team of representatives will carry out the necessary monitoring tasks with the aim of ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process.
“The institution’s participation comes as part of our duty to monitor the upcoming election in accordance with the kingdom’s laws,” he said.
“Our team has extensive knowledge and experience at both national and international levels, and will work tirelessly to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.”
NIHR officials will be stationed at all three polling stations across the kingdom – Busaiteen Intermediate Girls School, Bahrain International Airport and Seef Mall.
Members of the public are being encouraged to report any complaints or suspicions of foul play related to the electoral process by calling the new hotline at 80001144, or by using WhatsApp at 17111666.
The hotline will be up and running on both election days from 8am to 8pm, and will allow people to communicate with the institution directly to report any concerns.
The rights watchdog last year called for inclusive national consultations to discuss the setting up of a high commission for election affairs.
This was one of the recommendations highlighted in the NIHR report on the 2022 parliamentary and municipal elections.
The report also highlighted violations and issues and recommended steps to ensure they are rectified ahead of the 2026 polls.
NIHR, and other civil societies, monitored the 2022 national polls which registered a record-breaking 73 per cent voter turnout during the first round.
This was the highest since the first elections were held in 2002; it was 67pc in 2018.
While monitoring the 2014 and 2018 polls, the NIHR uncovered several violations including vandalising campaign billboards, making threatening phone calls, sending intimidating text messages and using children to campaign on behalf of candidates outside polling stations.
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