By-election heats up as new candidates enter the fray

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Frenzy over the upcoming by-election in Muharraq, following the ouster of sitting MP Mohammed Al Hussaini, took another interesting turn yesterday with one more candidate expressing a desire to enter the fray.

Yesterday, Dr. Essam Al Alawi, who secured 37% of the total polled vote in round two of the last election, has officially declared his candidacy for the vacant seat in the 1st Constituency of Muharraq Governorate.

The announcement came close on the heels of MP Hamad Farooq Al Doy, representing the second constituency of Muharraq Governorate, declaring that he will be assisting residents of the first constituency in the absence of Mohammed Al Hussaini.

“To my dear neighbours, family, and people of the first constituency in Muharraq Governorate, Al Busaiteen,” he wrote, “my office will be open to receive your requests and needs until the seat is filled.

We are all one hand; my office is your office, and my constituency is your constituency. I will do everything I can to ensure the smooth operation of services and meet your needs.”

It’s worth noting that judges revoked Hussaini’s membership, ruling that he violated Bahraini electoral laws by failing to declare the dual citizenship, which he vehemently denied after the shock verdict.

Announcement on Instagram

Yesterday’s entry by Dr. Al Alawi came through his Instagram post. In the post, he claimed that the decision is in response to numerous calls from the constituency seeking his candidacy.

“After careful consideration and based on your desire, I am today announcing my intention to run in the upcoming by-election,” he wrote.

“I await the official opening of the nomination process.” However, experts say Dr. Al Alawi’s decision comes as no surprise, given his strong showing in the previous election where he secured second place with 1,645 votes in the first round, garnering 37% of the total votes in the second round. Experts also view that his entry is expected to generate significant interest in the by-election, which is likely to be a closely contested race.

More candidates

Earlier, Abdulaziz Al Mannai, who came third with 1,130 votes in the first round, has also declared his candidacy.

Other former candidates, including Khalid Sulaibeekh, Khawla Busmait, and Salih Al Sada, are preparing to register their candidacies.

Former Muharraq Municipal Council President Ghazi Al Murbati declined to comment on his plans, while another former municipal council member, Mohammed Al Mutawa, stated that he is still considering his options.

Former MP Hamad Al Kooheji, a prominent contender in the 2022 election, also declined to comment on his candidacy at this time.

Sources within the constituency suggest that he is seriously considering a return.

Our sources also confirm that the nephew of the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abdulwahed Qarata, is entering the race.

This brings the total number of confirmed candidates to7.

How it went last time?

The results of the first round of the previous election, in descending order of votes, were as follows: Mohammed Al Hussaini (2,505 votes), Dr. Essam Al Alawi (1,645 votes), Abdulaziz Al Mannai (1,130 votes), Hamad Al Kooheji (1,078 votes), Ghazi Al Murbati (831 votes), Mohammed Al Mutawa (775 votes), Ahmed Al Tamimi (345 votes), Jamal Al Jowder (149 votes), Khawla Al Busmait (116 votes), Subah Al Thawadi (108 votes), Jassim Al Hamadi (63 votes), and Saleh Al Sada (50 votes). The second round saw Dr. Al Alawi and Mohammed Al Hussaini compete, with Al Hussaini winning with 63% of the vote compared to Al Alawi’s 37%.