Navigating our path towards democracy

By Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood 

This time next month, Bahrainis would have finished the process of casting their vote in the elections scheduled for 12 November 2022 to elect the 40 members of the Council of Representatives and also the Municipal elections.

This is the sixth cycle of elections in the Kingdom and with each cycle, we see a strengthening of the democratic experiment that was begun with the ratification of the National Action Charter.

When it comes to governance, there is no ‘One Size Fits All’.

The democracy practiced by America or India or even the one embraced by a country like Britain with a constitutional monarchy similar to ours, embodies the values and the culture of the country in question.

Once set up on the ath, we need to continuously shape and re-shape our governance to reflect the present reality and future needs

That i s why it is important that the candidates whose nominations have been selected must present their agenda and goals with clarity to the public.

Having emerged from the pandemic as cautious victors, thanks to a vigilant leadership, we have many challenges facing us.

There is considerable unemployment among our youth because of the shift in workplace requirements and dynamics, Bahrain needs to focus on a more comprehensive housing plan for residents.

On the plus side our healthcare delivery and our education infrastructure is growing and responding to the new demands so that Bahrain’s overall development remains sustainable and commendable.

In the past, we have witnessed ‘silly season’ campaign debates with candidates picking wild topics such as moving the airport to the desert and away from populated Muharraq.

Our women candidates, who did very well last time, must be given the same support and lessons in navigating the complex route to election representation and victory.

With social media being the channel of choice to start conversations and respond, we all need lessons on managing this with civility and honesty – both, the voters and the candidates.

The world will be watching Bahrain again and I am sure we shall emerge with our halo intact, yet again.