1.
Paragraph (e) of Article No. (1) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain stipulates that,
“Citizens, both men and women, are entitled to participate in public affairs and to exercise political
rights, including the right to vote and to stand for election, in accordance with this Constitution
and the terms and conditions laid down by law. No citizen shall be deprived of the right to vote or
to stand for election except in accordance with the law”. Paragraph (a) of Article No. (42), thereof,
stipulates that: “The King shall issue orders to hold elections for the House of Representatives in
accordance with the provisions of the law.”
2.
Decree-Law No. (14) of 2002 on the Exercise of Political Rights, as amended, sets the provisions
governing this stage. Article (15) thereof stipulates that, “The date for the general elections of the
House of Representatives shall be determined by a Royal Order. The Order shall be issued at least
(45) days before the date specified for the elections. The date for run-off elections shall be determined
by a decision of the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments. The decision shall be
issued at least (30) days before the date specified for the re-run. The Order or the Decision shall
include the opening and closing dates for nomination.” Article (16) of the same law stipulates that,
“The Royal Order or the Ministerial Decision calling on voters to the referendum or the elections
shall be announced in the Official Gazette.”
3.
Pursuant to the constitutional and legal procedures, Royal Order No. (36) of 2018 of His Majesty
the King of Bahrain concerning determining the date of elections and candidacy for membership
of the House of Representatives was issued. Article (1) thereof stipulates that, “Voters registered in
the voters’ lists, in implementation of the provisions of Law No. (14) of 2002 on of Political Rights,
are invited to attend the ballot and counting stations for the election of the members of the House
of Representatives on Saturday, 24/11/2018 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Elections are held at Bahraini
embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions abroad on Tuesday, 20/11/2018. In cases where
run-off is required, the re-election will take place on Tuesday, 27/11/2018.”
4.
It is worth mentioning that the above-mentioned Royal Order was issued on 10 September 2018
and published in the Official Gazette on 13 September 2018, pursuant to Article (16) of Decree-Law
No. (14) of 2002 on the Exercise of Political Rights, as amended.
5.
Concerning the municipal affairs, Article No. (13) of Decree-Law No. (3) of 2002 on the system of
election of members of municipal councils, as amended, stipulates that, “The date of election of the
members of municipal councils shall be determined by a decision of the Prime Minister, including
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