Bahraini ex-councillor Al Sinan loses electoral appeal

TDT | Manama              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

The Civil Court of Appeal yesterday rejected an appeal filed by former councillor Muhammad Al Sinan, who had filed his nomination from the Second Constituency in Muharraq Governorate. 

Earlier, lawmaker Ibrahim Al Nafii filed a complaint against Mr Al Sinan’s candidature with the electoral supervisory committee, which led to the cancellation of his nomination papers. Mr Al Sinan served as a counsellor at the Muharraq Municipality between the years 2014 and 2018. 

The Civil Court of Appeal also rejected the appeal made by Saeed Al Sammak, whose candidature from the Sixth District in the Capital Governorate was earlier dismissed by the electoral supervisory committee.

Meanwhile, the court did not entertain the complaint filed by candidate Muhammad Al Aradi against the opponent Mamdouh Al Saleh. Both had filed nominations from the Third Constituency in the Capital Governorate. 

The High Civil Court of Appeal on Wednesday rejected the appeal filed by four-time lawmaker Adel Al Asoomi against the decision of the electoral supervisory committee, which had earlier dismissed his nomination. 

Mr Al Asoomi’s candidature was rejected by the electoral committee after accepting the claims in the complaint filed by his opposing candidate Murad Ali Murad regarding discrepancies over residency.  

With the removal of Mr Asoomi from the list of candidates, the number of candidates contesting in the First Constituent Seat of the Capital Governorate has been reduced to two. Murad Ali and Muhammad Janahi are the existing two candidates. 

Mr Al Asoomi, an incumbent lawmaker, has been an active member of the parliament and he has raised and highlighted many issues of public concern.   Well-known across the Arab world,  Adel  Al  Asoomi  was re-elected as Arab Parliament Speaker a few days ago becoming the first Bahraini to hold the post for two years. 

Three other appeals were as well rejected by the court. The appellants are Dr Sharaf Al Mazal, former lawmaker Ali Shamout and lawyer Muhammad Al Othman.  Earlier, Dr Sharaf had filed nominations for contesting from the Fourth Electoral Constituency in the Northern Governorate while Mr Muhammed filed his papers for the poll battle from Fourth Electoral Constituency in Muharraq Governorate.

Mr Ali was a potential candidate from the Sixth Electoral Constituency in the Capital Governorate.  The final list of candidates will be announced on October 26. The Kingdom will head to the polls on November 12 with a run-off fixed on November 19.