Countdown to change as Council of Representatives gears up for elections within various committees

TDT | Manama

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The Council of Representatives is set to resume its legislative and oversight activities on October 13, marking the start of its third session after a four-and-a-half-month legislative recess.

As the Council prepares for its return, anticipation is building for the upcoming leadership elections within its various committees.

While the Secretariat of the Council is finalising preparations, members are engaging in consultations and coordination meetings to determine the candidates for key positions.

Several representatives have indicated to local media that the upcoming elections will likely bring significant changes to the leadership of the committees.

Sources within the Council have revealed that major changes are expected in most, if not all, of the committees.

The Finance Committee, responsible for overseeing the national budget, is expected to see intense competition for the presidency. MP Mohammed Al Ahmed, who previously led the committee during the first session, has announced his intention to run again.

Re-election

Meanwhile, MP Zainab Abdulameer has reportedly indicated that she will not seek re-election, while MP Al Saloum is reportedly vying for the position. The latter chaired the committee in two sessions in the previous parliamentary term.

The Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security Committee is also expected to have a contested election.

MP Hassan Bukhmas, who previously chaired the committee during the first session, has expressed his intention to run again. He is expected to face competition from MP Mariam Al Dhaen.

The Services Committee has attracted interest from four representatives, namely Mamudooh Al Saleh, Jaleela Al Sayed, Mohammed Al Aliwi, and Muneer Surour. There appears to be a consensus on rotating the presidency of the Public Utilities and Environment Committee.

MP Mohammed Al Balushi, who currently holds the position, is considered the frontrunner. There is a perceived agreement that MP Mahmoud Al Fardan will assume the leadership of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, following the previous rotation between MP Mohsen Al Asaboul and Dr Hisham Al Asheri.