possible, enabling them to exercise their political rights in the upcoming sessions. 16. International customs and principles in this regard have established the importance of allowing the monitoring of the electoral process as an indicator of safeguarding one of the most fundamental political rights of individuals. This is in line with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Kingdom of Bahrain acceded through Law No. 56 of 2006. Article 25, paragraph (b) of the Covenant stipulates that every citizen should have the opportunity to participate in public affairs, both as a candidate and through voting, in a periodic democratic process conducted by universal suffrage, with equal opportunities for all voters, secret balloting, and without unreasonable restrictions, in order to ensure the free expression of the will of the voters. This is also consistent with the provisions of Article 1, paragraph (h) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain. 17. The role of the NIHR in this regard stems from its firm belief that participation in public affairs is one of the essential aspects of democracy and a means to enhance the values of good citizenship. Participating in the electoral process, both as candidates and voters for the membership of the Parliament and municipal councils, is one of the key pillars of the reform project led by His Majesty the King may God protect him. This project aims to create an advanced democratic system that incorporates and involves individuals in decision-making processes and empowers the people to play their role in shaping policies that serve the public interest. 11