A NEW parliamentary proposal aims to put an end to what has been dubbed ‘tactical musical chairs’ of Bahrain’s electoral scene – a practice in which would-be candidates move between constituencies in search of an easier win.
The move would prevent candidates from contesting elections unless they have lived for at least 10 years in the constituency they seek to represent.
The proposal seeks to amend three key pieces of legislation – the 2002 Political Rights Law, the 2002 Municipal Councils’ Elections Law and the 2001 Municipal Law – to introduce the residency requirement.
Importantly, the condition would only apply to candidates and not to voters, meaning residents would be allowed to cast their ballots in their registered constituency without restriction.
“The so-called tactical musical chairs movement has to end,” said Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen, who is spearheading the proposal.
“Every election cycle, particularly a year before the vote, we see some candidates abandoning their home constituencies to jump into areas they believe are ‘weak’ – where the competition is softer and their chances of winning are greater. This is unfair to voters and to candidates who have genuine roots in the community.”
The practice is far from rare in past elections.
Former Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Mulla first won his seat in two different Southern Governorate constituencies.
Former Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal ran in three Southern Governorate constituencies, losing in two before winning in 2018 in the third.
Current MP Mohammed Al Ahmed was first elected in 2014 from Southern Governorate Constituency Two and later moved to Northern Governorate Constituency Nine, which he now serves.
Northern Municipal Council member Abdulla Al Qobaisi initially won a seat in the Southern Municipal Council in 2014, then secured victories in Northern Governorate Constituency Nine for both the 2018 and 2022 terms.
Former Southern Municipal Council vice-chairman Abdullatif Mohammed won in Southern Governorate Constituency Seven in 2014, then moved to Constituency Five in 2018, before running unsuccessfully for Parliament in the same area.
Current Parliament Secretary-General Mohammed Al Sissi Al Buainain was elected in 2018 from Southern Governorate Constituency Eight, lost in 2022 from Constituency 10, and was later appointed to his current post.
“This is not about targeting individuals,” Dr Al Dhaen stressed.
“It is about addressing a pattern that undermines the essence of democratic representation. A representative should have a deep, first-hand understanding of their constituency’s challenges, not just a strategic calculation of where their victory is mostly likely.”
Supporters of the proposal argue that candidates who live in their constituencies for an extended period are better equipped to address local issues, build trust with constituents and follow through on campaign promises.
“Living in an area for a decade means you have seen its growth, its problems and its potential,” said Dr Al Dhaen.
“It also means you have a stake in the future of that community. When you parachute into an area a year before elections, it’s impossible to develop that same connection or insight.”
Critics, however, may argue that the proposal could limit political mobility and deter capable candidates from entering races outside their long-term residence. Some also question how the residency period will be verified and whether exceptions should be allowed in cases such as constituency boundary changes or government transfers.
Dr Al Dhaen acknowledged that ‘technical considerations’ would be necessary to implement the rule fairly, but said these should not distract from the principle behind the proposal.
“We can and will address the procedural details – from verification to exceptions,” she said.
“But the core message is simple: representation must be authentic. It should not be a game of shifting seats to chase an easier win.”
The bloc will now present the draft amendments to Parliament for debate.
If approved, the changes could take effect ahead of the 2026 parliamentary and municipal elections – potentially altering the political landscape and preventing candidates from moving constituencies just months before polls open.
Political observers say the proposal, if passed, could spark controversy among some incumbents and hopefuls who have relied on constituency-hopping in the past.
But Dr Al Dhaen is confident that public opinion will be on her side.
“Voters deserve loyalty, not opportunism,” she stressed.
“It’s time we put an end to this practice and strengthen the bond between representatives and the communities they serve.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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