From courtroom to campaign trail : Lawyer Khawla Hazeem Al Shamsi second woman to enter Muharraq by-elections

TDT - Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini lawyer Khawla Hazeem Al Shamsi has declared her intention to run in the upcoming by-elections for the first constituency of Muharraq Governorate, scheduled for September. With this announcement, Al Shamsi becomes the second woman to enter the race, vying for the seat against nearly seven male candidates who have already declared their candidacy.

In a social media post on Instagram, Al Shamsi stated, “To the esteemed residents of the first constituency of Muharraq Governorate, I announce my desire to participate in the upcoming by-elections for the Busaiteen area. As the first woman to hold a doctorate in law, I seek the blessings of Allah to guide me towards what is best for you and for our nation.”

Political landscape

Al Shamsi’s entry into the race is a significant development, highlighting the growing participation of women in the Bahraini political landscape. The other woman who will run for the available seat representing Muharraq’s first constituency is Dr. Nada Ali Bin Shams.

The by-election, which will take place next September, was triggered by the Court of Cassation’s decision to revoke the membership of former MP Mohammed Al Hussaini due to his holding of dual citizenship, a violation of Bahraini electoral laws.

Candidates

The Court of Cassation’s ruling has sparked a wave of activity, with several candidates already expressing their intention to run. Among the declared candidates are prominent figures like Dr Essam Al Alawi, businessman Ibrahim Al Shaikh, Khalid Sulaibeekh, Saleh Al Sada, Nada bin Shams, Abdullah Al Sehli, Ahmed Al Tamimi, and Shaikh Mohammed Al Qallaf. Khawla Al Busmait, who ran in the 2022 elections for the same seat, has yet to announce whether she will participate.