Citizens whose CPRs have expired will not be able to vote in the upcoming elections unless they possess a valid smart card.
The Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) yesterday urged all citizens whose CPRs have expired and have not yet obtained their new identity cards to do so as soon as possible in order to continue to avail themselves of government services.
"Citizens should make an appointment for their smart card through our website (www.smartcard.gov.bh) and follow the instructions along with submitting the relevant documents," the CIO said in a statement yesterday.
The smart cards will be used for identification purposes and for the electoral registration process.
98 smart cards were issued to citizens last month, the CIO stated, adding that only a few people have not yet applied for their card.
The CIO is responsible for the issuing and renewing of smart cards which are valid for 5 years. Expatriates must pay BD10 for the card, while citizens are required to pay a BD5 fee.
The unique 64kb card stores the holder's data electronically.
The data includes one's passport ID, driving license and CPR details. The card also contains important personal and medical information as well as details of one's educational background and banking details.
Bahrainis are able to use their card to by-pass immigration at Bahrain International Airport and will soon be able to use their smart card instead of a passport when traveling to certain neighbouring GCC states.
Over 133,000 Bahrainis swiped their card at the airport's electronic immigration gates in the period from February 2009 to April 2010.
By Sandeep Singh Grewal
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
