Vote today if you love Bahrain

Today, around half a million Bahrainis endowed with voting rights are going to making a huge difference by deciding who should be the members of the next parliament. If we believe the parliament’s performance in the last four years were disappointing, this is the right time to act by electing those 40 members who are most eligible.

There can be an agreement over the fact that previous MPs did fail to serve the needs of the public. In fact, in many situations, they went against the public interest. But we must acknowledge that the Kingdom is a fledgling democracy and it will take many more years for both the parliamentarians and voters to understand their roles in principle. What I would like to emphasize, at this moment, is that we must head to the polling booths only with a positive outlook.

We should never be whisked away by the negative energy thrown to us by the ineffective parliamentarians who have only deprived the citizens of their rights. We are also aware that there are many elements in society, which discourage people from exercising their democratic rights. But, we must always keep in mind that an effective parliament will be the real voice of the people. It was only a few days ago a very disturbing statement by the previous head of the parliament triggered negative responses from people belonging to various quarters, with whom I frequently interact with.

He had allegedly threatened citizens by saying that those who are not voting in polls would be deprived of housing services and early retirement options. This move came as a slap in our faces as we look forward to electing our new parliament. It was the last thing that we needed to hear from someone who had held a highly responsible position.

Despite such statements, we should always remember that His Majesty has shown to us that democracy is attainable, even if it takes years to achieve. After all 16 years isn’t much when compared to the democratic experiences of other countries. I can recall an incident that happened some years ago. As I was filming an episode on the National Charter Monument, I concluded my report saying that the names of all those who voted for the charter had their names engraved on the walls of the monument. I was instantly corrected.

These walls do not just have the names of those who voted for the charter but carries the names of each Bahraini who was an eligible voter at that time. Whether you voted or not, His Majesty ordered all his citizens names to be engraved on the walls. My message is simple and clear. Our leadership is sincere about change and if there are factors in the society that wants to convey otherwise, we should realize that we are part of the change and we can have positive roles in what tomorrow and the future will bring.

I have personally decided who I will vote for tomorrow and I hope that each one of us will cast their votes for candidates who deserve our trust. Regardless of voting for a male or female candidate, empower the person you believe will represent the people of our beloved country and cast your vote for those you truly believe in democracy, love this country and want the best for it.