Speaker slams attempts to influence elections

Manama, July 8 (BNA): Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mullah slammed foreign interference to influence the forthcoming parliamentary and municipal elections. He cited in this regards what he called suspicious activities, foreign funding, media incitement, in addition to the purchase of electronic accounts which are run from three capitals. He announced that he would lift the parliamentary immunity on any MP involved in this electoral scam, adding that the constitution authorizes him to take such a measure. He vowed zero tolerance against anyone convicted of the treason and conspiracy against the nation, collaboration with the enemies and involvement in attempts to subvert national stability and security and derail the reform project and democratic process. “National security and state sovereignty are above all considerations”, he said, vowing to hold anyone involved in the electoral scam accountable, regardless of their position or status. He affirmed Bahrainis’ unwavering allegiance to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, adding that all attempts influence the upcoming parliamentary and municipal polls would be doomed to failure. He paid tribute to the loyal Bahrainis who stand in the frontline in defending the nation and its hard-won achievements. He saluted Bahrainis’ great enthusiasm to take part in the forthcoming parliamentary and municipal polls which, he said, reflects sweeping popular support to the reform and democratic process. He stressed unwavering legislative support to all measures undertaken by the Government to defend state sovereignty, protect the reform process, maintain national security and stability, thwart suspicious designs led by well-known countries and parties. He expressed full confidence in ability of the security agencies to thwart any attempts to foment sedition and fuel incitement and bring anyone collaborators to justice to be held accountable. The Speaker urged citizens to be vigilant, cautioning them against anyone attempting to defame the reform project and influence the elections in flagrant breach of the law, urging full cooperation with the security agencies to foil any designs to subvert national security. “The people of Bahrain stands united with HM the King, the guardian of the reform and democratic process and political development”, he said.