A CALL to revive a long-disputed law allowing Bahrainis and eligible expatriates to vote in municipal elections while abroad has been renewed.
The effort, spearheaded by Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, aims to extend voting rights to overseas Bahrainis, ensuring they have equal opportunity to participate in municipal elections, alongside parliamentary ones.
He said such rights were key to shaping local policies and development.
“Not allowing overseas voting in municipal elections deprives people of their right to select the best candidate to represent their local interests,” he added.
He stressed that many Bahrainis reside abroad temporarily for various reasons, such as business, education or leisure.
“These citizens will eventually return and have a stake in the local community. Denying them the right to vote undermines their contributions to municipal governance,” said Mr Abdullatif.
Bahrainis abroad are currently permitted to vote in Parliament elections only.
Eligible expatriates with property in Bahrain can vote in municipal elections but only if they are physically present in the country on the day of the polling.
This has sparked criticism from advocates of electoral reform who argue that municipal elections are equally critical for community representation.
Bahrain holds elections for three municipal councils – Southern, Muharraq and Northern. The Capital Governorate’s municipal council was replaced in 2014 with the Capital Trustees Board, whose members are appointed by His Majesty King Hamad.
The Shura Council has twice rejected amendments to the 2002 Municipal Councils Election Law that would allow overseas voting in municipal elections, citing logistical and legal concerns.
In 2021, Shura members stood firm in their opposition, leaving the proposed changes in limbo for the past three years.
The amendments have been approved by MPs twice.
Supporters argue that the law needs to reflect Bahrain’s evolving socio-political landscape, particularly with an increasing number of citizens travelling or residing abroad temporarily.
Proponents of the law are pushing for a decisive action with an eye on the 2026 national elections.
A letter with the proposed move will be sent to Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh for review and possible action.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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