Campaigning Codes

In each governorate, candidates have been found violating the laws set for the election campaigning.

A meeting was held at the Bahrain Society of Engineers to announce the code of ethics the candidates must follow in their campaigns. According to Jassim Najmi ,President of the Bahrain Transparency Society, “ We have already witnessed dirty tactics being used in canvassing. Someone’s tent is burned while others posters are brought down. Every candidate has a right to promote their agenda and this should be in a peaceful and transparent manner.

Highlighting the code he said, “ We have set a code of ethics which the candidates contesting for both the parliament and municipal have to sign. Our monitors are keeping a vigil on all types of violations in all the five governorates. We will soon release the names of the erring candidates some of whom have set up tents or put up hoardings without the permission of the municipality.”

The meeting was attended by independent candidates as well as those who are backed by political societies. The President of Wa’ad Society Ebrahim Sharif said,” The code of ethics set by the Bahrain Transparency Society is a good move. But there would be candidates who would sign the agreement but will breach the code the next day. This is what needs to be stopped and candidates should adhere the law. There should be an understanding among all the candidates to stick to the code and law. But ‘ absolute adherence’ to the code is not possible.”
Ebrahim further said, “ Independent candidates can mobilize funds through various sources. But what about those who do not have adequate funds for canvassing?” he said.
The head of the election campaigning at Al Wefaq National Islamic Society Jassim Redha said, “ The code will ensure transparency and we will endorse it. The code is largely based on the election laws.”

The code of ethics are-

1) working on honest principles
2) Ensure transparency in the government’s works and societies.
3) Observing the public procedures and policies to ensure the procedures are right.
4) Encouraging organizations to unveil corruption cases.
5) Become a model in actions when I am elected.
6) Work towards Bahrain’s inclusion in the UN agreement to combat corruption and implement the accord.
7) Work towards drafting a financial and property law for all the officials in the government organizations.
8) Ensure the freedom of access of information
9) Work towards amending laws to ensure transparency in elections.