Poll campaign billboards banned on select streets of Bahrain

TDT | Manama           

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Amidst the electoral heat slowly eclipsing the summer heat, campaigns by prospective candidates are gradually getting into full-swing. As part of the code of conduct, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs has banned erecting election campaign billboards on select 23 streets in Bahrain.

The notified streets are King Hamad Street, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Street, Crown Prince Street, Khalifa Grand Street, Al Fateh Street, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Street, Shaikh Salman Street, King Faisal Street, King Abdullah Street, Airport Street, Istiklal Street, Zallaq Street, Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Street, Dry Dock Street, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway Street, Shaikh Hamad Bridge Street, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Bridge Street, Arad Street, Hidd Street, Diving Street, Bahrain Bay Street, Prince Saud Al Faisal Street and Camp Street.

According to the Ministry, all candidates for the House of Representatives and local councils must adhere to civilised principles of conduct during their campaigns to avoid harming the reputation of any other candidates, insulting them, or questioning their ability.

The ministry also emphasised the rules governing election propaganda tools, including the slogans, posters, images, brochures and writings that are used in electoral campaigns. Those candidates or their supporters who engage in discrimination against the tenets of the Islamic faith and the unity of the people, or anything that leads to sectarianism or division among residents will be penalised.

The officials have also banned the use of the Kingdom’s flag or official emblem in gatherings, advertisements, electoral statements and loudspeakers outside polling places. Among other electoral developments, many candidates have revealed their intention to run for the polls. Special arrangements will be made for voters infected with coronavirus across voting centres on November 12 when the nation will go to polls to elect its new Parliament and municipal councils, earlier announced the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Chair of the High Elections Committee, Nawaf Al Maawda. He highlighted the commitment to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights of choosing their representatives throughout the two decades since the launch of the first legislative term in 2002.

There will be 14 polling centres across the Kingdom. Up to September 21, voters can request changes to their address or other corrections as part of updating the voters’ list and up to September 24, they can file complaints or appeals before the supervisory committees. The final decision in cases of disputes will be taken by judicial authorities before October 4, 2022. Candidates can file their nominations from October 5 to October 9, 2022.