Don’t mix religion with politics

The Jaffari Endowments Directorate has issued a circular for imams, muezzins and preachers to adhere to the instructions of the Higher Committee to oversee the integrity of the elections, based on the directives of the committee chairman and Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

The circular stated the decision to ban organising and holding of election rallies and the delivery of electoral speeches in places of worship.

“The directorate warns imams, muezzins and preachers against allowing candidates to be imams, call for prayers or make speeches in houses of worship, as well as not to use mosques and community centres, or their annexes, for electoral propaganda in all its forms.”

“Article 22/b of Decree-Law 15/2002 on the Law of Shura and Representatives Councils, and its amendments, stipulates the prevention of the organisation and holding of electoral rallies or the delivery of electoral speeches at houses of worship, scientific institutes, as well as public and private schools.”

The electoral speeches and rallies are also prevented in public areas, streets, roads, in addition to the buildings of ministries and their directorates, and those of public institutions.

According to Election Executive Committee, 365,467 citizens are eligible to cast ballots in the parliamentary and municipal elections.