prohibitions. In addition, the new law must include deterrent penalties that
prevent the violation of its provisions. The said law must also provide for
provisions that regulate the issue of electoral finance and campaign
spending, and, in particular, include provisions to set a maximum limit on
spending and financial expenditures on electoral campaigns.
Summary of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and
Endowments (Waqf) reply to NIHR:
a) The Ministry reported that the legislative system in the Kingdom of
Bahrain is rich in legislative provisions regulating media and
electoral campaigns. Decree-Law No. (15) of 2002 regarding the
Shura and Representatives Councils regulates the controls by
which a candidate must abide during the candidacy period, in
addition to the unlawful acts that must be avoided during election
campaigns. Moreover, the requirement of equality is imposed on
the media in dealing with the candidates, without ignoring the
imposition of fines and imprisonment on anyone who violates the
provisions stipulated in the above-mentioned Law.
b) Law No. (60) of 2014 on Information Technology Crimes contains
provisions that criminalize various types of crimes that may be
committed by using means of communication and other electronic
means. In addition, Decree-Law No. (47) of 2002 contains
provisions that regulate printing, publishing and the press, as well
as criminalizing acts committed by publishing in newspapers. Under
the Law, the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban
Planning issues the necessary decisions regarding regulating
advertising.
(3) Text of recommendation and summary of the competent authority’s
reply to NIHR:
Make available ballot papers in Braille for the blind to enable them to
participate actively in the electoral process.
Summary of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and
Endowments (Waqf) reply to NIHR:
The competent authority stated that the Kingdom of Bahrain was keen to
devote special attention to persons with disabilities in the society and
facilitate all aspects of their lives, as well as guaranteeing all their rights in
a way that enables them to integrate effectively into society. In this sense,
there are special facilities for this category of persons who cannot
themselves write down their opinions on the electoral paper. They can
express their choice of candidates verbally, and then the head of the
Ninth Annual Report of the NIHR
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