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Liberalist or Islamists?

Okay , the election fever is over and much to my and others disappointment stalwarts like- Dr.Munira Fakhro, Abdulrehman Nuaimi, Ebrahim Sharif and Sami Seyadi had to face defeat. Loyalists came out in large numbers and voted at the general polling centres that have been instrumental in the defeat of these candidates. What a shame! Military personnel’s and naturalized people also exercised their franchise. Yup this is democracy my friend and as they say that Every Bahraini has a right to vote! I agree but I would like to ask the loyalists what are the conditions of being a Bahraini. My neighborhood is filled with new Bahrainis who have attained this new title and feel that they are par with others. Stop this nonsense as this won’t help in the long run . Whatever may be the reason, the bottom line is that the new MP’s lack experience though the newly appointed Shura is more qualified. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and wait patiently for the first sessions. Fireworks are round the corner!

My point of view

November 25 will witness a new meaning in the history of the magical kingdom. Future Parliamentarians and Councilors are trying different means to attact the voters in the area. But is their manifesto worth their salt ! The whole politics is funny if one looks at it . It's really amazing that six months back I did not know much about the politics in the kingdom and here I am writing about it. I would like to thank this great person who backed me through thick and thin. I sometimes wonder why is she doing all this for me. But then I realise that she is not a greedy woman(stop writing) but will help anyone who appraoches her.

Drawing moustaches on women candidates posters or ransacking tents has come up and they are few who are indulging in this cowardly acts. There is a mixed feeling among the voters who have decided not to vote while there are others who are backing their relatives or friends. The powerful men will come in power and will turn powerless when they would be in the system. Well, that's how politics work.

Its absurd!

Well done guys! You have done a good job once again by blocking websites.That's the best you could do! Freedom of Press and Expression ( It does not exist) will be governed here after. I spoke with Mahmood who assured me that he will keep updating his blog!Some faces that had crop up earlier have once again showed their true colors. What a shame! I must say to witness something like this and the only thing you can do is sit back but that is not going to happen anymore."The new parliament will bring more democratic experience" Ya rite!

Bahrain Bloggers!Act now!

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.

Stop the dirty tactics!

The billboard of Fawzia Zainal contesting from the Central Governorate(District-8) was thrown on the ground in Ma’ameer on Wednesday morning. Fawzia said , “ I was told that the board that we had set up was fallen on the ground. I immediately rushed at the spot and informed the police. It was a preplanned attempt as there were tyre marks near the board and it seems a vehicle was used to drag the board and unscrew the bolts.” She later went to the Sitra police station and filed a case.

Earlier, the tent of Adel al Mouawada contesting from Busaiteen was gutted in a fire and two days later the tent set up by Fawzia was ransacked and the lights broken, allegedly by unidentified miscreants. Both the cases are being investigated by the police officials.
This is the second time Fawzia has been targeted . “ I don’t understand why this is happening to me as I am working hard for the welfare of the people of the kingdom. The media around the world is focusing on the elections and actions like this will depict Bahrain in bad light globally.”

This has not deterred Fawzia as she intends to continue her campaigning and hopes to make it to parliament. “ I have set up the tent again and even the board will be put up in a couple of days. This should send a strong message that women will fight for their rights and they cannot be stopped.” Fawzia said.
Harassment of female candidates began with alleged text messages soon after the nominations for the parliamentary elections were closed. A number of female candidates condemned the harassment.Dr.Huda Al Muttawa contesting from the Muharraq Governorate(District-2) said, “ Actions like this should be stopped as every candidate has the right to promote his or her agenda. No one should stop them. They are misconceptions among many people that women are not qualified to run the country.”

Voters caught on the net

Candidates contesting for the elections are using different means for canvassing from posters, hoardings and now website.

Parliamentary candidate, Dr.Amal Al Jowder contesting from the Central Governorate (District-1) has launched her own interactive website- www.amalj.net to promote her goals and objectives. “ The theme of my website is one country promising better future. I have posted my manifesto and my complete details which can be informative for the voters. The idea of the website was mooted by a volunteer Wasa Al Ansari who insisted that I should launch a website that will educate the voters and enhance communication between the two parties.”

Wasa Al Ansari said,” The optimum use of technology is vital and if used in the canvassing it can be effective. I decided that I would create the website in a month but finished it in fifteen days starting from scratch. Voters can contact Dr.Al Jowder directly by calling them on the numbers displayed or send e-mail or fax. This virtual interaction will boost the chances her of winning.”
Dr. Al Jowder added, “My manifesto will focus on issues like health, better salaries, education among others. I have uploaded my lectures on these issues on the website .It also offers a personality test for entertainment. I will update the website regularly and hope that more and more people visit it.”
Good Move Dr.Al Jowder!

Take Bribe, Pay the Price

The Election committee has warned all the candidates contesting for the elections that they would face severe action in case they try to bribe the voters.

The violators will be presented before the Public Prosecutor. Some of the candidates believe that the similar things were said in the last election but nothing was done. The President of the Wa’ad National Democatic Action Society Ebrahim Sharif said,” In Kuwait , the had announced a similar decision but till date it is now implemented. Many candidates want to win by buying the voters in their constituency. Some resort to book family members and pay them money.”

“ This is not acceptable as it manipulates the election. During the election campaigning candidates would distribute pens, batches or may even arrange for dinner. This is not a bribe but helping in monetary terms to assure one’s victory is a crime.”
The same opinion was expressed by Al Methak Society member Bader Sultan Al Hammadi contesting from Muharraq governorate District -7 says, “No one is above the law and everyone should be treated equally. I believe this is the time when all the candidates should focus on their agenda and work for the welfare of the people.”
Earlier, the Municipality department ordered one of the contestant to remove the tent which he had set up in Bader’s area.

But there are some who have gone one step ahead like an existing MP who claims that he is paying money to the poor and is helping them. “ It is difficult to tell anyone that he/she is doing wrong as they would get away by saying that it is the festive season and they wish to help. One can pay to the charitable associations instead which will actually work for the society. But I feel it is a good move by the election committee to take action against the culprit for buying voters.” Said Dr.Munira Fakhro.

Dr.Fakhro who is representing from Wa’ad also emphasized that reforms in the Municipality is the need for the hour as this will result in giving more power to the Council.

Sandeep Singh Grewal

Don't contest

A couple of female candidates have approached the Supreme Council for Women and filed a case after receiving threatening SMS’s which stated that they lacked the qualification to run the country and hold parliamentary positions.

Dr.Munira Fakhro contesting on behalf of the Wa’ad society said , “ We had to approach to the SCW after these messages were sent to some of the women candidates. There are some conservative scholars who are against women contesting the elections. This is not fair as it is an attempt to weaken the position of women candidates.”

She further said, “ Women are being purposely targeted so that they do not contest. Actions like this show that how tough it is for a women to make her mark in the male chauvinistic society. There are 18 women candidates who are contesting for the parliament and most of them are independent. This can affect their mindset and we need to address this issue and punish the culprit.”

Dr.Munira also urged the Ministry of Justice to intervene and investigate in the matter. “ We have confidence in the SCW which is chaired by Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa and actively works for the empowerment of women. The government should take immediate steps to curb this issue. We have no clue who is behind all these messages but there are rival candidates who are involving religious obligations in the matter as well as mixing and manipulating the issue.”


In the last elections, similar attempts were being made to threaten female candidates so that they step down. In the 2002 election, there were about 51% of women electorates compared with 49% of men while the second round of voting witnessed a 55% turn out. Considering the fact that there are more women voters than men in the kingdom, this new wave of messages has upset many women candidates. Lateefa Al Qaoud who created history by becoming the first women MP should be an example for the women candidates who have to fight it out and make it the parliament.

NGO's to monitor poll process

About two- hundred people would be monitoring the forthcoming elections. Official NGO’s have been allowed to supervise the parliamentary and municipal elections with cooperation from the Supreme Election Committee.

The Bahrain Human Rights Society and the Bahrain Transparency society are the two NGO’s that are authorized to monitor the election. The Deputy Secretary General of the BHRS Abdulla AlDerazi said, “ The Ministry of Social development had earlier banned the participation of NGO’s to supervise the elections. The ministry wanted to form a committee by selecting from the local societies. We did not support the decision as by allowing the government body to select representatives could weaken the task of the committee."
“An official statement by the election committee highlighted that political societies would be excluded from the monitoring process. This was done, as they could be bias to their candidates. We had started our preparations for monitoring the elections since February and have held three workshops for representatives from the societies. The monitors are taught about the supervising process, the code of conduct at the time of vote counting."

Non-Bahrainis cannot monitor the actual voting, which locals would be permitted if given permission by the election commission to supervise the elections. “ We are still in talks with the authority to review this decision as it would be more transparent for an independent foreign body to supervise the elections. For example, the Arab Election Monitoring Network in Amman has expressed their willingness to monitor the parliament and municipal elections. We are preparing a report in coordination with the Bahrain Transparency Society that will give a clear picture of the elections."

This year the Ministry of Justice has been asked to supervise the elections. “It is going to be a tough competition and we will try our best to ensure that the campaigning ends peacefully.” Alderazi said.