The Bahraini highest court has made a ruling to remove a member of parliament, Mohammed Rafiq Al Hussaini, from his seat due to his undisclosed foreign citizenship. The court stated that Al-Hussaini’s dual citizenship was in violation of the constitutional requirement that members of the Council of Representatives must hold only Bahraini nationality. This decision was made following an appeal by the Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs, which presented evidence of Al-Hussaini’s dual citizenship at the time of his candidacy.
The Court of Cassation announced that Al-Hussaini’s membership in the Council of Representatives for the First District in Muharraq Governorate is now considered invalid from the date of the ruling. The court cited Article 57(a) of the Constitution, which specifies that members of the Council of Representatives must hold only Bahraini citizenship, whether by birth or naturalisation, and must not retain any other nationality. This requirement is seen as a means to ensure the complete allegiance of representatives to the Kingdom of Bahrain and to support the country’s democratic development.
The court emphasized that the requirement of single nationality for members of the Council of Representatives is not discriminatory, but rather a measure to guarantee that representatives’ loyalty is solely to the Bahraini people. This condition is in line with the constitutional principles of equality before the law, as stated in Articles 4 and 18, and does not prevent the legislature from setting reasonable conditions for membership in the Council of Representatives. The court highlighted that this requirement serves the public interest by ensuring that representatives are fully committed to serving the interests of Bahrain and its citizens.
The ruling by the Court of Cassation regarding Al-Hussaini’s removal from the Council of Representatives underscores the importance of upholding the constitutional requirements for elected officials. By enforcing the provision that members must hold only Bahraini nationality, the court aims to maintain the integrity of the country’s democratic system and ensure that representatives prioritize the interests of Bahrain above all else. This decision sends a clear message that dual citizenship among elected officials is not acceptable in Bahrain and that adherence to the constitutional requirement of single nationality is essential for serving in public office.
The court’s decision to disqualify Al-Hussaini from his seat in the Council of Representatives reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that elected officials comply with the constitutional provisions that govern their eligibility for office. By enforcing the requirement of single Bahraini nationality for members of parliament, the court reinforces the principle that elected representatives must prioritize the interests of the Bahraini people above any other allegiance. This ruling serves as a reminder to all public officials of the importance of abiding by the constitutional requirements that guide their service to the nation.
In conclusion, the removal of Mohammed Rafiq Al Hussaini from his seat in the Council of Representatives due to his undisclosed foreign citizenship highlights the court’s commitment to upholding the constitutional provisions that govern the eligibility of elected officials. By enforcing the requirement of single Bahraini nationality for members of parliament, the court ensures that representatives maintain their complete allegiance to the Kingdom of Bahrain and prioritize the interests of the Bahraini people above all else. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to the rule of law and upholding the constitutional principles that shape the democratic process in Bahrain.
