Ballot battle begins : Electoral campaign heats up in Muharraq as candidates begin bid for first constituency
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com
The first constituency in Muharraq is buzzing with activity as candidates for the upcoming supplementary elections have begun their campaigns. Posters and banners have been popping up across the constituency since Wednesday, marking the official start of the election period following the acceptance of the eight candidates and the green light for campaigning.
Several candidates are preparing to open their campaign headquarters in the coming days, with anticipation for a fiercely contested election. The past few days have seen a flurry of activity with community halls in Muharraq hosting events for the eight candidates.
Programmes
On Wednesday evening, one such hall welcomed several candidates who presented their programmes and engaged in dialogue with residents. Some candidates have also taken the initiative to open their homes to voters from the district and the wider community. Dr Ali Al Shuwaikh, chairman of the supervisory committee overseeing the integrity of the supplementary elections in the first constituency of Muharraq, said that no appeals or objections were submitted on Wednesday regarding any of the eight candidates or decisions made by the supervisory committee.
He added that yesterday was the final day for submitting appeals. The eight candidates who have been accepted are Ebrahim Al Shaikh, Dr Khawla Al Shamsi, Dr Nada bin Shams, Saleh Al Sada, former MP Hamad Al Kooheji, Abdulwahed Qarata, Abdulaziz Al Manaei, and Mallah Al Qahtani. The supervisory committee began posting the list of the eight candidates at the supervisory centre in Al Busaiteen Intermediate School for Girls on Tuesday.
Dr Al Shuwaikh confirmed that the committee is open to receiving appeals against the inclusion of candidates on the list, as well as challenges to the committee’s decisions regarding these appeals. These challenges can be brought before the relevant court. The election campaign is expected to be lively and engaging as these candidates compete for the support of the electorate.
Dispute
Meanwhile, one of the eight candidates formally challenged the candidacies of two rivals yesterday, claiming they do not reside in the constituency. He submitted his dispute to the Supervisory Committee overseeing the by-elections just 15 minutes before the centre closed on the final day for complaints. Dr Ali Al Shuwaikh, Chairman of the Committee, stated that the committee will now review the challenge, scrutinising all details and documents provided.
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