Candidates Sign Up for Bahrain's Upcoming By-Elections

MANAMA, Bahrain, Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Trade Arabia reports that eighty three candidates, including nine women, filed to run in Bahrain's upcoming by-election. Election officials said that 30 candidates registered in the Capital Governorate, 33 in Northern, 16 in Central and four in Muharraq. The candidate registry closed on August 24.

"The number of female candidates who have registered met our expectations, we estimated that between five and 10 would come forward," said a spokesman for the election commission.

Candidates signed up for the by-elections despite threats from opposition groups. Election officials were pleased with the turnout, and said they were committed to protecting all citizens and candidates involved in the by-election.

"The safety of candidates and voters are protected by the law and those who don't respect such a fact will be held accountable and legal procedures taken against them immediately," said Public Security chief Major General Tariq Bin Daina.

Bin Daina urged individuals to take part in the political process through peaceful participation in the election process. He noted that voters should not be pressured by groups that oppose the democratic process.

A spokesman said that security precautions were taken at election centers in order to protect candidates. The spokesman added that threats would not be tolerated.

Candidates who have signed up for the special by-election are running for 18 vacant seats originally held by Al Wefaq. Al-Wefaq members resigned from parliament in February. Before candidates begin campaigning for the vacant seats their submissions must be approved by election authorities.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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