The Estidamah (Sustainability) Bloc has secured all but one of the 18 seats on the board of the Bahrain Chamber following elections held yesterday at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Led by veteran businessman Nabeel Kanoo, the bloc almost swept the board positions after a full day of voting by traders and company representatives from 8am to 10pm, before ballot sorting and counting got underway.
The one place left was taken by independent Bob Thaker. The reserve seats went to the block’s Shaker Al Helli and independent Nayef Al Alawi.
Mr Kanoo, who is solely running as board chairman, thanked voters for their confidence and pledged to focus on strengthening the private sector’s voice.
“This result is a responsibility before it is a victory. We will work as one team to serve all traders and enhance the Chamber’s role in supporting business growth,” he said.
He stressed that the bloc’s priority would be sustainability in economic practices, stronger engagement with government on legislation affecting commerce, and creating new opportunities for Bahraini entrepreneurs.
“We represent every business, large and small. The coming term will focus on practical solutions, transparency and building a stronger business environment for the future,” he added.
RESULTS
Estidamah Bloc (17 out of 18 members):
Nabeel Kanoo (58,590 votes)
Mohamed Alkoheji (42,910)
Nawaf Alzayani (48,342)
Yousuf Salahuddin (53,008)
Sonya Janahi (34,288)
Sawsan Abulhassan (35,554)
Abeer Almoayyed (49,440)
Ahmed Al Salloom (49,658)
Jameel Al Ghanah (45,080)
Professor Waheeb Al Khaja (44,078)
Abdulwahab Al Hawaj (39,314)
Mohammed Fakhro (56,958)
Rashad Zainal (40,218)
Mohammed Diwani (46,186)
Hassan Kaiksow (54,916)
Khalid Abdulrahman Juma (50,856)
Khalid Engineer (46,466)
Independent: Bob Thaker (32,538 votes)
Reserves - two members:
Estidamah's Shaker Al Helli (29,204 votes)
Independent Nayef Al Alawi (22,844)
Other candidates (all Independents):
Ibrahim Al Daaysi (13,460 votes)
Salman Al Alawi (2,906)
Hamad Harbi (1,836)
Donya Fakhrawi (6,442)
Ali Al Asfoor (4,744)
Nadia Al Omer (3,732)
Yasser Al Rahma (19,694)
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