In a directive issued by HE Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, the procedures for the upcoming by-election for the Council of Representatives were outlined, with a focus on voters residing outside Bahrain. The directive requires each Bahraini embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission abroad to form a committee responsible for overseeing the polling and counting of votes for the vacant seat in the first electoral constituency of Muharraq Governorate. These committees will be headed by the ambassador, consul general, or head of the mission, along with two additional officials, one of whom will serve as the committee’s secretary. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 September 2024, with voting hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
In addition to managing the voting process in their respective locations, the committees are also tasked with publicising the registration and voting procedures on the elections website and social media platforms. Bahraini citizens abroad can register to vote online or at the diplomatic missions between 19 and 21 August 2024, provided they are already listed on Bahrain’s electoral roll for the constituency. The final list of eligible voters will be provided to each diplomatic mission by the Higher Committee for General Supervision of the Integrity of the Election before the election. Voter identities will be verified using passports or other recognised documents to ensure they are on the electoral roll and have not previously voted, with the voter roll being updated manually or electronically as approved by the Higher Committee.
After the voting process, each committee will compile a record of the votes, noting the number of valid and invalid votes, as well as the tally for each candidate. This record, signed by the committee’s chairman and secretary, along with the ballots and voter list, will be sealed and sent to the Higher Committee. A digital copy will also be forwarded immediately to ensure transparency and accuracy in the election process. Bahraini voters who do not vote at the diplomatic missions can still cast their ballots in Bahrain on election day if they are present in the country.
Overall, the directive issued by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf outlines the procedures for the upcoming by-election for the Council of Representatives, with a focus on voters residing outside Bahrain. The formation of committees at Bahraini embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions abroad will ensure the proper management and oversight of the voting and counting process. By publicising the registration and voting procedures, as well as verifying voter identities and updating the voter roll, the election process will be conducted with transparency and integrity. Additionally, the compilation of a record of the votes, along with the sealing and forwarding of all relevant documents to the Higher Committee, will further enhance the credibility of the election. Through these measures, Bahraini citizens abroad will have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote.
