Amendment to election law approved by Bahrain's Shura Council

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Bahrain - Claims of election foul play have prompted the Shura Council to approve a change in the law governing national polls.

The amendment would effectively wipe out votes received by candidates who withdraw their nominations late.

Currently, those who withdraw outside the allotted window still have their names on the ballot.

It has been prompted by concerns that some are standing for election just to siphon votes from genuine candidates, allowing someone else to win.

This could still happen despite the amendment, while Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh said if they won they would likely choose to keep the seat.

Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain described the amendment as unnecessary.

“How many cases of foul play has Bahrain witnessed in five elections?” he asked.

The Shura Council also voted in favour of reducing the window to file nominations, from five days to three, despite concerns of Mr Al Buainain.

“This will just put more pressure on the nominations process,” he said.

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