CHAPTER I: Monitoring the parliamentary and municipal electoral process in the period preceding the start of voting Chapter one of the report will address the legal framework and practical realities of the period preceding the start of voting. This includes the stage of calling for elections and nominations, followed by the stage of voter registration and objections thereto. It also covers the stage of receiving candidacy applications and objections, as well as the judicial appeals submitted during that stage. Additionally, the chapter will not overlook the stage of election campaigning and the electoral silence preceding the voting day. These aspects will be discussed in four consecutive main sections. Section I: The Stage of Call for Elections and Nominations 1. Article 1, paragraph (h) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain states: "Citizens, both men and women, have the right to participate in public affairs and enjoy political rights, including the right to vote and nominate, in accordance with this Constitution and the conditions and provisions specified by the law. No citizen shall be deprived of the right to vote or nominate except as provided by law." This was followed by Article 42, paragraph (a) of the same Constitution, which states: "The King shall issue orders to hold 23