Minister Al Maawda Sets Overseas Voting Procedures for Parliament By-Election

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

In a directive issued Today, HE Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, outlined the procedures for the upcoming by-election for the Council of Representatives, focusing on voters residing outside Bahrain. Each Bahraini embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission abroad is to form a committee responsible for overseeing the polling and counting of votes for the vacant seat in the first electoral constituency of Muharraq Governorate. These committees will be headed by the ambassador, consul general, or head of the mission, along with two additional officials, one of whom will serve as the committee's secretary.

These committees will manage the voting process in their respective locations, with the election scheduled for Tuesday, 3 September 2024, and a possible re-election on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, if required. Voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.

The directive also tasks the committees with publicising the registration and voting procedures on the elections website and social media platforms. Bahraini citizens abroad can register to vote online or at the diplomatic missions between 19 and 21 August 2024, provided they are already listed on Bahrain's electoral roll for the constituency.

The Higher Committee for General Supervision of the Integrity of the Election will provide the final list of eligible voters to each diplomatic mission before the election. Voter identities will be verified using passports or other recognised documents, ensuring they are on the electoral roll and have not previously voted. The voter roll will be updated manually or electronically as approved by the Higher Committee.

Post-voting, each committee will compile a record of the votes, noting the number of valid and invalid votes, and the tally for each candidate. This record, signed by the committee's chairman and secretary, along with the ballots and voter list, will be sealed and sent to the Higher Committee. A digital copy will also be forwarded immediately.

Bahraini voters who do not vote at the diplomatic missions can still cast their ballots in Bahrain on election day if they are present in the country.