Bahrainis begin to vote in parliamentary elections

MANAMA (Agencies)
Shiites fielding 18 candidates, Interpol issues warrants

Bahraini voters began Saturday casting their ballots in the third polls since a parliamentary system was reinstated in the Gulf kingdom in 2002. More than 318,000 Bahrainis are eligible to vote in the parliamentary elections to choose 35 of the 40 members of the house, in the Shiite-majority kingdom that is ruled by a Sunni dynasty. The other five seats were filled by unopposed candidates. A total of 127 candidates, including eight women, are running in the elections. One of the female candidates, outgoing MP Latifa al-Qouhoud, has already secured an uncontested seat.

Voters will also cast their ballots for their respective municipal councils.

In addition to the elected parliament, the king appoints members of the 40-strong consultative council, or the upper chamber, which can block legislation from the lower house.

Parliament has the authority to examine and pass legislation proposed by the king or cabinet and also has monitoring powers, while the consultative council has the power to block legislation coming out of the lower house.

Electoral commission chief Abdullah al-Buainain insisted: “We are determined that the elections should be transparent,” adding polling stations would be monitored by 379 observers from Bahraini non-governmental organisations

The Shiite mainstream opposition, Al Wefaq, which boycotted the first elections following the political reforms in 2001 that turned Bahrain into a constitutional kingdom, scored a sweeping victory in 2006, grabbing 17 seats.

It is fielding 18 candidates in this parliamentary election, as its head, Sheikh Ali Salman, demanded easing the grip of the ruling family on power.

More than 30,000 people gathered until early Thursday to support the largest Shiite group in Bahrain, Al Wefaq, which has led accusations of corruption and power abuse against the Sunni leadership.

“The government needs to change its behavior,” Sheik Salman, told the crowd. “Leaving things unresolved will not serve stability in our society.”

Interpol has circulated warrants for the arrest of Said al-Shihabi and Hussein Mashaimaa, wanted in the case of the recently dismantled terrorist network

Bahraini police prosecutors

Interpol arrest warrants

However Bahrain said late on Thursday that Interpol has circulated warrants for the arrest of two Shiite opposition leaders who have been living in London, days before they are due to go on trial in absentia on terror charges.

Bahrain Freedom Islamic Movement secretary general Said al-Shihabi and Haq leader Hussein Mashaimaa were among 23 activists from the Gulf state’s Shiite community charged on September 4 with terrorism offences and threatening to overthrow the Sunni regime.

“Interpol has circulated warrants for the arrest of Said al-Shihabi and Hussein Mashaimaa, wanted in the case of the recently dismantled terrorist network,” said a statement from police prosecutors carried by the official BNA news agency.

The trial of the 23 men is due to open next Thursday, overshadowing the parliamentary election.

Haq, a breakaway from Al Wefaq, is boycotting the vote.

Sheikh Salman has said the charges aga