Bahrainis abroad cast ballots in quadrennial elections

Manama, Nov. 20 (BNA): Bahrainis abroad headed to the polling stations in 29 diplomatic missions to cast their ballots in the Kingdom’s fifth parliamentary elections since the launch by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of sweeping constitutional, political, social and English reforms. The stations across the world opened at 8 am local time and will close at 8 pm, giving ample time for Bahrainis residing abroad, on missions or tourists ample time to cast their ballots in the elections held this year under the logo “It’s Our Call”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted several pictures of Bahrainis in the process of voting in various cities on its Twitter account. Parliamentary and municipal elections will be held in Bahrain on November 24, but under the election rules, overseas voting is held days earlier. In case there is no declared winner in any of the 40 constituencies, a second round will be held one week later, November 27 abroad and December 1 in Bahrain, to decide who will carry the parliamentary seat. Figures indicate that 44 women had registered to run for this office this year, the highest number since women were allowed to run and vote in elections following the promulgation of the 2002 constitution. In their electoral campaigns, candidates have emphasized the advanced maturity levels in the exercise of democracy in Bahrain through the ballot box. Some candidates are former lawmakers who sat in parliament in 2002. Most candidates are running as independents, but several said they are affiliated with political societies. Quadrennial elections were regularly held in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.