Manama: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior called on all Bahrainis to abide by the laws regarding the candidates and voters’ rights during the upcoming general elections in Bahrain.
The Ministry enforces the law to protect all candidates and voters during the upcoming general elections and will pursue legal action against anyone who engages in criminal behaviour such as intimidation or threats, including vandalism, to those partaking in the voting process.
Any candidate who is threatened or intimated, either verbally or physically, is asked to file a complaint at his local police station or by calling the police hotline at 80008008. All cases will be fully investigated and anyone who is found to have engaged in illegal activity against any candidate will be arrested.
The Interior Ministry reminds the public that article 30 of decree law 14 of 2002 that protects political rights states that a person who intimidates or threatens others, “can be sentenced to imprisonment for a period not more than six months and fined not more than BD500 and that it is illegal to, “disrupt the freedom to vote in a referendum or election by using force, threat or disturbance or by taking part in illegal demonstrations or gatherings.”
The Interior Ministry commits to maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the country, including at all polling stations and calls upon citizens to practice their right to vote for their representatives at the Council of Representatives and Municipal Councils to reinforce the democratic system promoted by the reforms project of His Majesty the King.