MPs have unanimously rejected two new legislations seeking to increase the candidacy fees for Parliament and municipal elections.
The government has urged a rethink on the amendments proposed by the Shura Council to the 2002 Shura Council and Parliament Affairs Law and the 2002 Municipal Councils’ Elections Law, asserting that it could harm candidacy in next year’s general elections.
The legislations sought to double payments, from BD200 to BD400, for anyone contesting a Parliament seat while one vying for a municipal role will have to shell out BD50 to BD200.
Under the Shura Council’s amendments, the money would be referred to the state coffers rather than to the Labour and Social Development Ministry to spend on charitable causes.
Deadline
Also, candidates will have until election day to withdraw from the race, unlike the current deadline of 10 days prior to the voting.
MPs also insisted on amending the 2002 Municipal Councils’ Election Law to allow overseas voting in municipal elections despite being rejected by the Shura Council earlier.
“For the second week running, we see ridiculous legislations on elections presented by the Shura Council,” said Khalid Bu Onk, referring to last week’s debate of animal protection.
He was speaking during Parliament’s weekly session yesterday.
“Just because the Shura is appointed doesn’t mean it can go around changing election rules.
“People should be encouraged to come forward, and not discourage them by increasing the candidacy fees.”
Hamad Al Kooheji said candidacy fees did not constitute revenue, they represent a token for commitment.
“Sadly, the Shura looks at matters from a money-generating perspective, while running for elections is a democratic responsibility which everyone should be encouraged to be a part of,” he added.
“This democratic principle was introduced for public good by His Majesty King Hamad, and not to profiteer from.”
The legislations will now be referred to the Shura Council for review.
Meanwhile, Parliament also voted on an amendment to a law that would require expats selected for government jobs to have their certificates approved by Bahrain under the 2010 Civil Service Law.
The government had earlier said that it was unnecessary.
Amendments to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Authority law that would exempt expat workers at social clubs, care homes and rehabilitation centres for the disabled from paying labour fees was also approved.
They will be now drafted into proper laws by the government and referred to the National Assembly for review within six months.
A vote on amendments by the Shura Council to the 2006 Future Generations Fund was postponed.
Currently, $1 is saved from every exported oil barrel if the international price is not below $40.
The new system as suggested by Shura would see $1 saved if the price is between $40 and $80 and $2 if the price rises above $80.
However, Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Mahmood Al Bahrani revealed that another format has been agreed with the government, details of which would be presented later.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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