The recent court decision nullifying the membership of MP Mohammed Al Hussaini has left the first constituency of Muharraq without a representative. As a result, a by-election is set to take place in early September to choose a replacement. The court ruling, delivered by Judge Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, declared Al-Hussaini’s membership invalid, triggering the need for a new election to fill the vacant seat.
In accordance with the House of Representatives’ internal regulations, the Speaker of the House will announce the vacancy in the constituency, and the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs will be notified to take the necessary steps for the election. Additionally, Article 29 of the Law on the Councils of Shura and Representatives states that if a seat becomes vacant before the end of a member’s term, a by-election must be held within two months to elect a replacement.
The upcoming by-election in the first constituency of Muharraq is anticipated to be a competitive one, as it has historically been a closely contested electoral district. In the 2022 parliamentary elections, there was a heated race between Al Hussaini and Dr. Essam Al Alawi, culminating in a second round of voting. The constituency has previously been a stronghold for the Al Asalah Society, with former MP Adel Al Maawada holding the seat for three legislative terms.
With the by-election expected to take place within the next two months, political observers are predicting an influx of campaigning and candidate announcements in the near future. The first constituency of Muharraq is likely to see a flurry of activity as candidates vie for the vacant seat and voters prepare to choose their new representative. Stay tuned for updates on the by-election and the candidates who will be competing for the position in early September.
