a. Yes

Comments: The Kingdom of Bahrain shall be divided into a number of constituencies each consisting of a number of electoral districts. Each electoral district elects one candidate.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:55:44 UTC

a. The legislature (national/subnational)

Comments: A decree will be passed on defining the constituencies, electoral districts and their boundaries, and the number of sub-committees required to carry out the process of the elections and ballot counting.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:56:14 UTC

h. Not applicable

Comments: A decree will be passed on defining the constituencies, electoral districts and their boundaries, and the number of sub-committees required to carry out the process of the elections and ballot counting. There are no criteria for the boundaries drawn.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:57:00 UTC

g. Not applicable

Comments: No criteria mentioned.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:58:54 UTC

a. Legislature (specify chamber)

Comments: A decree will be passed on defining the constituencies, electoral districts and their boundaries. This decree which is announced by the King and the Council of Ministers is responsible for drawing the boundaries.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:59:17 UTC

m. Not applicable

Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:59:44 UTC

a. Name and Title: Riva Matar
b. Job Title: Researcher
c. Organisation: ANND
d. Contact Address. Ashrafieh, Beirut - Lebanon
e. Telephone: 03/ 48 47 78
g. Email: rivamatar@hotmail.com

Last updated: 2006-10-30 14:57:44 UTC

a. Mandatory referendum

b. Optional referendum

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 19:57:14 UTC

a. Constitutional

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 19:58:02 UTC

a. Constitutional

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 19:58:24 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:00:54 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:01:15 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:01:48 UTC

a. Constitutional

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:02:13 UTC

a. Constitutional

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:02:41 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:03:00 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:56:46 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:57:08 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:57:28 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:57:50 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:58:10 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:58:39 UTC

g. Not applicable

Comments: applicable only for elections
Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 14:57:47 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 14:59:38 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:01:29 UTC

i. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:02:11 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:03:22 UTC

i. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:02:46 UTC

i. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:03:11 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:03:40 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:04:55 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:05:12 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:05:39 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:05:59 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:06:20 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:06:48 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:08:43 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:03:36 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:18:04 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:18:25 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:18:48 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:19:06 UTC

a. not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:20:15 UTC

a. n

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2006-10-30 14:57:44 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-02 15:21:46 UTC

a. Mandatory referendum 2002
b. Optional referendum 2002

Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:04:08 UTC

a. Mandatory referendum 2002
b. Optional referendum 2002

Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:04:36 UTC

e. Other (specify who)

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:05:19 UTC

b. No

Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:05:44 UTC

a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:06:32 UTC

a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:07:01 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:07:37 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:07:59 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:08:19 UTC

a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:08:54 UTC

a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes

Comments: The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:09:18 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:09:37 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:09:52 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 43 of Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:10:07 UTC

k. None

Comments: not specified
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:10:54 UTC

k. None

Comments: not specified
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:11:19 UTC

k. None

Comments: not specified
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:11:45 UTC

e. None

Comments: not specified
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:12:11 UTC

f. Other (specify)

Comments: The King
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:12:48 UTC

d. Legislature

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:13:16 UTC

d. Legislature

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:13:32 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:14:03 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:14:23 UTC

e. Other (specify who)

Comments: the king
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:15:02 UTC

e. Other (specify who)

Comments: the king
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:15:25 UTC

c. No quorum required X

Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:16:00 UTC

c. No quorom required X

Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:16:23 UTC

a. Simple majority (>50%)

Comments: The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:17:21 UTC

a. Simple majority (>50%)

Comments: The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes
Source: Article 43, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:18:04 UTC

c. Never

Comments: The King has the final decision
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:19:34 UTC

c. Never

Comments: The King has the final decision
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:19:57 UTC

d. Not applicable

Comments: Fifteen members of the Consultative Council or the Chamber of Deputies are entitled to request proposing an amendment to the Constitution. Any member of the two chambers is entitled to propose laws. Each proposal shall be referred to the relevant committee in the chamber in which the proposal was made for an opinion. If the chamber sees fit to accept the proposal, it shall refer it to the Government to formulate it as a draft amendment of the Constitution or as a draft law and present it to the Chamber of Deputies during the same or succeeding period.
Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:20:58 UTC

d. Not applicable

Comments: Fifteen members of the Consultative Council or the Chamber of Deputies are entitled to request proposing an amendment to the Constitution. Any member of the two chambers is entitled to propose laws. Each proposal shall be referred to the relevant committee in the chamber in which the proposal was made for an opinion. If the chamber sees fit to accept the proposal, it shall refer it to the Government to formulate it as a draft amendment of the Constitution or as a draft law and present it to the Chamber of Deputies during the same or succeeding period.
Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:21:30 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:24:06 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:24:26 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:24:46 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:25:15 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:25:36 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:26:05 UTC

e. None

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:26:38 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:27:05 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:29:23 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:29:55 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:31:29 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:32:13 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:32:54 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 92, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:33:16 UTC

k. Not applicable

Source: Article 33, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:33:39 UTC

a. not applicable

Source: Article 33, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:35:04 UTC

d. Not applicable

Source: Article 33, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:35:31 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Article 33, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:35:51 UTC

a. not applicable

Source: Article 33, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:36:17 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Article 33, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:36:37 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:37:29 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:37:48 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:38:11 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:38:38 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:41:09 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:42:05 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:42:28 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:42:49 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:43:07 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:45:03 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:46:11 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:47:11 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:48:04 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:49:00 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:49:40 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:50:13 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:51:16 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:51:32 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:52:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:53:18 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:53:52 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:54:30 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:55:00 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:55:23 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:55:42 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-01 20:56:18 UTC

a. Name of Institution The Supreme Committee
b. Full Address Manama Bahrain.
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President The Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Arabic.

Comments: The Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs heads a Supreme Committee to administer Referendums and Parliamentary Elections all over the Kingdom.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002. Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 18.
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:26:12 UTC

a. National level

Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 18.
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:27:34 UTC

b. The Prime Minister

Comments: As the head of the national electoral body is the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs and the ministers report to the Prime Minister so the national electoral body reports to the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 2, part 1, article 47.
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:28:45 UTC

c. The legislature

Comments: The government prepares a draft of budget and expenditures then presents it to the legislative power consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Consultative Council.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 5, article 109.
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:29:29 UTC

c. The legislature

Comments: The government prepares a draft of budget and expenditures then presents it to the legislative power consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Consultative Council.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 5, article 109.
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:30:15 UTC

a. For the election period only

Comments: The national electoral management body and its committees and sub-committees exits for the election period only.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17 and 18.
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:30:58 UTC

d. Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment

Comments: The chairperson of the national electoral management body is the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs and the Ministers are all appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33(d).
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:32:00 UTC

a. Total number: 243,449 eligible voters

Source: www.bahrainbrief.com.bh/english/back-issue.htm
Last updated: 2004-07-22 18:32:56 UTC

g. Inherited monarchy

Comments: The King is Head of State.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:19:09 UTC

e. Appointed

Comments: Appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33(d). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:19:36 UTC

b. No

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 1, article 1 (b) and chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:20:12 UTC

b. Two chambers

Comments: The national legislature consists of two chambers: the Consultative Council and the Chamber of Deputies.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, article 51. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:20:50 UTC

d. Two-Round System

Comments: Elections for the Chamber of Deputies were held over two rounds for 40 single-member districts in which absolute majority(50+1) was required in the first round. The first round was on October 24 and the second on October 31, 2002.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 2, article 56. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 1, article 8. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:21:23 UTC

j. By appointment

Comments: The 40 members of the Consultative Shura Council are appointed and dismissed by a Royal Order from the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, article 1. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:22:12 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 1, article 1 (b) and chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:23:23 UTC

b. Specially delimited constituencies

Comments: The Kingdom of Bahrain shall be divided into a number of constituencies each consisting of a number of electoral districts. Each electoral district elects one candidate.
Source: Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:23:52 UTC

a. National level

Comments: The 40 members of the Consultative Council are appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:24:47 UTC

b. No

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, article 17, organizing referendums and elections, exercising political rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:25:10 UTC

e. Not applicable x

Source: www.bahrainbrief.com.bh/english/sep-2002.htm Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:25:46 UTC

b. No

Comments: The 40 members of the Consultative Council are appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:26:42 UTC

e. Not applicable x

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:27:11 UTC

a. No minimum

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, article 27, organizing referendums and elections, exercising political rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:27:46 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:28:10 UTC

a. No minimum

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, article 27, organizing referendums and elections, exercising political rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:28:41 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:29:43 UTC

a. At fixed intervals (specify length)

Comments: The Chamber of Deputies is elected every 4 years and the King has the right to add 2 more years on the 4 years.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 2, article 58. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 1, article 10. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:30:28 UTC

a. At fixed intervals (specify length)

Comments: The Consultative Council is appointed by the King every 4 years.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 54- The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, article 2. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:31:09 UTC

a. Voting takes place on one day

Comments: The process of voting in the Elections will continue from 8 am to 6 pm, if in any district there are voters who have not cast their ballot then the process will continue in that district only. If all voters registered in the schedule have completed the process ahead of time then the chairman can declare the end of voting after the final voter casts his ballot.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, article 21, organizing referendums and elections, exercising political rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:32:02 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 52. Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 21:32:46 UTC

c. Decree

Source: Decree number 14, 2002. Exercising Political Rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

a. January 2000 or later

Source: The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

a. National elections

d. Referendums

Comments: The national electoral law covers the referendums and the national elections for the Chamber of Deputies.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002. Exercising Political Rights,part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

a. Voting is voluntary

Comments:
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 1; International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections

Comments: There are just the elections of the Chamber of Deputies. No other elections are held.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 1, article 1 (b) and chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a).
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal

Comments: The chairmen of the committees appointed by the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs have the full power of any Judicial Authority with regards to the offences committed in their premises or are intended to be carried out in the location.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 4, article 35. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

b. Ministry

Comments: The Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs appoints the Chairmen and members of the committees as well as their locations.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

a. Candidates

c. Voters

e. Other

Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 4. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

e. Special Electoral Tribunal

Comments: The chairmen of the committees appointed by the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs have the full power of any Judicial Authority with regards to the offences committed in their premises or are intended to be carried out in the location. The Law by Decree number 10 for the year 1973, regarding the election of the National Council is now rendered void and any other laws contravening the principles of this law are null.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002. Exercising Political Rights, part 4, article 35 and 36. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

f. Other

Comments: The Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 15. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:51:27 UTC

a. Name and Title: Riva Matar
b. Job Title: Researcher
c. Organisation: ANND
d. Contact Address: Ashrafieh – Beirut - Lebanon
e. Telephone: 03/ 48 47 78
g. Email: rivamatar@hotmail.com

Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:45:02 UTC

b. Government owned

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda. Bahrain's domestic radio and television stations are state-run. Some homes have access to satellite TV channels
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/790690.stm#media………
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

b. Government owned

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda. Bahrain's domestic radio and television stations are state-run. Some homes have access to satellite TV channels
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/790690.stm#media………
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

b. Government owned

c. Privately owned

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda. Bahrain's domestic radio and television stations are state-run. Some homes have access to satellite TV channels
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/790690.stm#media………
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

c. Competition exists between government newspaper and at least one private newspaper

Comments: Newspapers must obtain the approval of the information minister and the Cabinet before being allowed to publish. It is prohibited to criticize the king and Islam, insult the heads of Arab or Islamic countries, incite "sectarian hatred," or publish "false information" or any news that harms "national unity."
Source: http://www.cpj.org/attacks03/mideast03/bahrain.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:47:15 UTC

d. Not applicable: no private radio stations exist

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda.
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:48:40 UTC

d. Not applicable: no private television stations exist

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda.
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:50:04 UTC

e. Print media

Comments: Not fully independent. A new press law implemented by the government in October 2002 imposes harsh restrictions on the press, undermining the limited democracy that was introduced in this tiny Persian Gulf archipelago after elections that year.
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:52:24 UTC

a. a

Comments: There is a freedom access on information except on the following: a) Legal judgments issued by courts of various degrees & the translations thereof. b) Official documents such as texts of laws, Amiri decrees, administrative resolutions, international conventions, their translations, and various official documents. c) Publicly published or broadcast news. d) Works which are public property
Source: Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Law Decree No. 10 for the year 1993 in respect of the Protection of Copyrights
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:52:57 UTC

a. T

Source: http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/MediaLaw.asp?UILang=1&CID=101580
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:10:54 UTC

d. Not applicable: no private radio stations exist

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda.
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:49:23 UTC

d. Not applicable: no public radio stations exist

Comments: Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda.
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:47:47 UTC

a. a

Comments: The Law Decree No. 10 for the year 1993 in respect of the Protection of Copyrights Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda. The government continued to prohibit the publication or broadcast of information
Source: Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Law Decree No. 10 for the year 1993 in respect of the Protection of Copyrights
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

a. T

Source: Article 45, The Law Decree No. 10 for the year 1993 in respect of the Protection of Copyrights
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:10:54 UTC

a. Government

Comments: The Minister of Information shall issue the necessary resolutions for the implementation of this Law, and any provision in conflict therewith shall be repeated
Source: Article 45, The Law Decree No. 10 for the year 1993 in respect of the Protection of Copyrights
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:55:59 UTC

e. Government departments

Comments: The Minister of Information shall issue the necessary resolutions for the implementation of this Law, and any provision in conflict therewith shall be repeated
Source: Article 45, The Law Decree No. 10 for the year 1993 in respect of the Protection of Copyrights
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:57:15 UTC

a. a

Comments: The law includes an assortment of restrictions and stipulates fines, prison terms, or closure of publications for those that violate them. Newspapers must obtain the approval of the information minister and the Cabinet before being allowed to publish. It is prohibited to criticize the king and Islam, insult the heads of Arab or Islamic countries, incite "sectarian hatred," or publish "false information" or any news that harms "national unity." The information minister can keep both local and foreign publications out of the country if they are deemed to break the law, and he can also seek court-ordered closures of newspapers and refer journalists to court for prosecution.
Source: http://www.cpj.org/attacks03/mideast03/bahrain.html
Last updated: 2005-05-16 15:57:42 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: Authorities applied the law in at least three cases. In March, prosecutors charged editor Mansour al-Jamri and reporter Hussein Khalaf, both with the independent daily Al-Wasat, with violating a government-imposed media blackout surrounding the arrests of three alleged members of a terrorist cell. The journalists face up to six months in prison and a 1,000 dinar (US$2,650) fine if convicted, according to the paper’s lawyer. In September, Radhi al-Musawi, a member of the local political group National Democratic Action Society, was briefly detained and charged with defaming a government tourism agency employee. The employee had been accused of corruption in the group’s newsletter, Al-Democrati. Editor-in-chief Anwar Abdul Rahman and reporter Mariam Ahmed, both of the Arabic daily Akhbar al-Khaleej, were tried on charges of defaming several judges of an Islamic religious court. The case came after their newspaper ran a report in May about a Bahraini woman who staged a hunger strike outside the Justice Ministry after losing custody of her two daughters in the court.
Source: http://www.cpj.org/attacks03/mideast03/bahrain.html
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

a. Law

Comments: It is a part of the Shura Council Law.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3 and Law by decree no. 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:10:54 UTC

c. Government

g. EMB by law or regulations

Comments: It is regulated by the Ministry of Justice and Islamic affairs with the cooperation of the ministry of Information. Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately-owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government-owned and offer only official propaganda.
Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/790690.stm#media
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

a. Placing limits on what the media may report about an election

b. Requiring balance in media news coverage of an election

c. Placing limits on when the media may report about an election

Comments: The 1979 Press Law forms the legal basis for control and censorship of the press. No newspaper can be issued without the authorization of the Ministry of the Interior following a decision by the Council of Ministers (Article 19). The Minister of Information has the power to examine any written material before and during printing and to ban the printing of any newspaper or other publication if the content of the material contradicts the provisions of the Press Law (Article 5).
Source: http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:01:55 UTC

a. Yes

Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3 and Law by decree no. 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:02:41 UTC

a. Enforcement of a right of reply, correction or retraction

b. Administrative penalty

c. Other (specify)

Comments: The Minster of Information has the right to only ban the article. The Prime Minister may suspend the publication of a newspaper for up to two years or cancel its licence if it is proved to be serving the interests of a foreign country or opposing the interests of Bahrain.
Source: http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:04:06 UTC

a. Criminal prosecution

b. Administrative sanction

c. Other (specify)

Comments: The Minster of Information has the right to only ban the article. The Prime Minister may suspend the publication of a newspaper for up to two years or cancel its licence if it is proved to be serving the interests of a foreign country or opposing the interests of Bahrain. Any attempt to bypass the Ministry of Information can lead to withdrawal of press credentials and in the case of foreign journalists, expulsion
Source: http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:08:34 UTC

b. No

Source: http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/codeethicslistsmall.asp?CountryID=791&UILang=1
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:09:05 UTC

a. EMB

Comments: The election campaigns are free of charge and regulated by the EMB. Any candidate can campaign from the date the nominations are accepted as per the article 22 part 3 of the Law of the Shura Council and the parliament.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no. 14 for the year 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:11:29 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable because political organizations are entirely prohibited, and those who attempt to establish them may be subjected to heavy penalties.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, organizing referendums and elections. Exercising political rights. http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable because political organizations are entirely prohibited, and those who attempt to establish them may be subjected to heavy penalties.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, organizing referendums and elections. Exercising political rights. http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable because political organizations are entirely prohibited, and those who attempt to establish them may be subjected to heavy penalties.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, organizing referendums and elections. Exercising political rights. http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

h. Not applicable

Comments: Not applicable because political organizations are entirely prohibited, and those who attempt to establish them may be subjected to heavy penalties.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, organizing referendums and elections. Exercising political rights http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x

Comments: Not applicable because political organizations are entirely prohibited, and those who attempt to establish them may be subjected to heavy penalties.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, organizing referendums and elections. Exercising political rights http://www.article19.org/docimages/334.htm
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

b. Government owned

Comments: The mass media is required to treat all candidates equally.
Source: Part 3, article 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:22:07 UTC

b. Government owned

Comments: The mass media is required to treat all candidates equally.
Source: Part 3, article 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:22:42 UTC

b. Government owned

c. Privately owned

Comments: The mass media is required to treat all candidates equally.
Source: Part 3, article 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:22:13 UTC

a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance

Comments: The mass media is required to treat all candidates equally.
Source: Part 3, article 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: Chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. Chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: Chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. Chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

h. Not applicable

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: Chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. Chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: Chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. Chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: Chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. Chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

e. None

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

i. Not applicable

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x

Comments: Not applicable. The King is the Head of State by inherited monarchy. There are no presidential elections.
Source: chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002. chapter 1, article 1 (b) of The Constitution of Bahrain 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

b. There are no laws in this regard x

Comments: The candidate is bound by the following during his election campaign: 1- to abide by the principles of the Constitution and respect the rule of law. 2- to respect the freedom of opinion of others 3- to maintain the National Unity and National Security and to avoid any action that will cause disunity or that will create factions between citizens 4- not to carry out any campaigning in Government Ministries and their administrative bodies and general organizations 5- not to interfere into the campaign of other candidates personally or by other intermediaries. Federations, societies, workers unions are prohibited in carrying out or participating in any campaign for any candidate 6- it is prohibited to organize and hold meetings for campaigns or to give speeches in places or worship, universities, educational institutes Government or private schools, public places roads or streets or buildings used by the ministries and their affiliates like general organizations and corporations. The election campaigns are free of charge.
Source: Part 3, articles 22 to 27 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

a. ......... NA

Comments: The election campaigns are free of charge for all candidates and the mass media should cover them equally freely.
Source: Part 3 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:31:43 UTC

b. None x

Comments: The election campaigns are free of charge for all candidates and the mass media should cover them equally freely.
Source: Part 3 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

c. No

Source: Part 3, articles 22 to 27 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:32:36 UTC

a. ......... N

Source: Part 3, articles 22 to 27 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:10:54 UTC

a. Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll

c. Characteristics of the sample

d. Size of the sample

Source: http://www.arabo.com/links/,197,211,202,221,202,199,193,199,202/,200,225,199,207/,199,225,200,205,209,237,228/
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:36:10 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: http://www.arabo.com/links/,197,211,202,221,202,199,193,199,202/,200,225,199,207/,199,225,200,205,209,237,228/
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:37:23 UTC

e. Other (specify)

Comments: Opinion polls are not taken manually. Through the internet
Source: http://www.arabo.com/links/,197,211,202,221,202,199,193,199,202/,200,225,199,207/,199,225,200,205,209,237,228/
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:39:19 UTC

d. Other (specify)

Comments: Opinion polls are not taken manually. Through the internet.
Source: http://www.arabo.com/links/,197,211,202,221,202,199,193,199,202/,200,225,199,207/,199,225,200,205,209,237,228/
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:40:00 UTC

c. After all polls close, after official results are available

Comments: The official results are announces by the chairman of the EMB and then they are announced through the official gazette and the media.
Source: Articles 28 and 29, part 3 of the Law by decree no. 14 for the year 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:41:19 UTC

b. No

Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:43:22 UTC

d. No one with full-time responsibility for media work

Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:44:52 UTC

g. Other (specify)

Comments: Each municipality will decide on the special locations where campaign posters, pictures and slogans are to be placed with each candidate given equal space.
Source: Article 23, Part 3 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:46:27 UTC

b. Government owned

Comments: All mass media will treat all candidates equally and free of charge.
Source: Part 3, articles 22 and 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:48:52 UTC

b. Government owned

Comments: All mass media will treat all candidates equally and free of charge.
Source: Part 3, articles 22 and 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:48:56 UTC

b. Government owned

c. Privately owned

Comments: All mass media will treat all candidates equally and free of charge.
Source: Part 3, articles 22 and 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:49:00 UTC

e. None

Source: Part 3, articles 22 and 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:50:00 UTC

e. None

Source: Part 3, articles 22 and 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:50:05 UTC

e. None

Source: Part 3, articles 22 and 26 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:50:10 UTC

d. It monitors the media coverage of its own activities.

Source: Part 3 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:51:15 UTC

b. Quite effective

Comments: It is a dictatorship more than a communication between the government’s EMB and the media.
Source: Part 3 of the Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002, exercising political rights. http://www.freedomhouse.org/pfs99/reports.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/790690.stm#media
Last updated: 2006-05-08 17:17:42 UTC

g. Not applicable

Comments: There are no parties that support candidates, most of the candidates have the backing of national societies after allowing them to support their candidates in elections and campaigning for them. The government has left the decision open to the new parliament as to how individual members want to organise themselves for future contests. The election of the members of the parliament will comply with the regulations of the individual candidate elections.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 1, article 9. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:45:14 UTC

g. Not applicable

Comments: The 40 members of the Consultative Council are appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, article 33 (f) and 52. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:45:57 UTC

a. Age

b. Citizenship

f. Registration

i. Minimum level of literacy

j. Other

Comments: A member of the Chamber 1 must: (a) The candidate should be a Bahraini enjoying full political and social rights. (b) The candidate's name must be on the list of nominees for the constituency the nominee represents. (c) The candidate's age must not be less than 30 years on the day of election. (d) The candidate should be able to read and write Arabic. (e) The candidate must not have been removed from a position on the Shura Council or the parliament by the order of the body he/she was a member of due to loss of trust or credibility or due to negligence of his duties as a member.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 2, article 57. Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 11. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:47:00 UTC

a. Age

b. Citizenship

f. Registration

i. Minimum level of literacy

Comments: A member of the Chamber 2 must: (a) The candidate should be a Bahraini citizen enjoying full political and civil rights. (b) The candidates' name should be on the list of nominations. (c) The person's age on the day of his appointment should not be less than 30 years. (d) The selected person must either be experienced and (or) one of those who have performed distinguished service(s) to the country in one of the following fields: members of the ruling family, former minister, those who have worked at the post of ambassadors and the ministers' plenipotentiary, former members of the judicial bodies, retired security officials, former senior government officials, senior scholars, businessmen and professionals, former members of the parliament, those who have exceptional popular trust and support.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 2, article 57. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, article 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:47:34 UTC

k. Not applicable

Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:47:54 UTC

a. Current criminal incarceration

e. Offences against electoral law

g. Holding of government office

n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)

Comments: The nomination of ministers, judges, and public prosecutors to the parliament will not be accepted unless they resign from their posts prior to the nomination.
Source: Constitution 2002, part 1, article 3. Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, articles 17 and 18. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:48:18 UTC

o. Not applicable

Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:48:39 UTC

c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)

Comments: The Chamber 1 is the only part of constitution where there are elections done. Any person with the qualifications cited above in question PC 03 can be a candidate in the legislative elections in Chamber 1. Chamber 2 is appointed and the Head of State is The King so no presidential elections.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33(a) and section 2, articles 52, 53 and 56. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:49:11 UTC

b. Deposit requirement (specify)

Comments: Any person to be nominated for parliament must apply in writing on a special form to the supervisory committee for verification of polls and elections. He/she has to mention in this application the constituency s/he will represent.The form must not contain any irrelevant information otherwise it will be negated. The application form must be accompanied by a receipt for a cash deposit from the treasury of the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs: which is non refundable, must be 200 Bahraini dinars which will be used to fund social activities.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 12. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:49:39 UTC

e. Not applicable

Comments: The 40 members of the Consultative Council are appointed by the King; and no registration is required, just to meet the qualifications cited above.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (f). Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, article 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:50:04 UTC

e. Not Applicable

Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 1, article 1 (b) and chapter 4, section 1, article 33(a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:50:26 UTC

a. No

Comments: Candidates have to make their own financial arrangements.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued, by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:50:59 UTC

d. Not Applicable

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections. Exercising Political Rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:51:21 UTC

e. Not Applicable

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections. Exercising Political Rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:51:40 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections. Exercising Political Rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:52:00 UTC

e. Not Applicable

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections. Exercising Political Rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:52:25 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: Bahraini Election Reform, Bahrain - $600,000: Program assisted Bahraini political parties and civil society groups in preparing for the October 2002 legislative elections and will subsequently help train and prepare those elected to operate efficiently in the legislative process.
Source: http://www.useu.be/Categories/GlobalAffairs/Middle_East/July1503MEPIFactSheet.html Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:52:46 UTC

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Source: http://www.useu.be/Categories/GlobalAffairs/Middle_East/July1503MEPIFactSheet.html Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:53:06 UTC

j. Not applicable

Source: http://www.freedomhouse.org/research/freeworld/2002/countryratings/bahrain2.htm Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:53:29 UTC

j. Not applicable

Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Law by Decree no 14 for 2002. Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, part 3, organizing referendums and elections. Exercising political rights. http://www.bahrainbrief.com.bh/english/sep-2002.htm Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:53:49 UTC

b. Regulated body specially created for this purpose

Comments: Special political program reforms.
Source: http://www.useu.be/Categories/GlobalAffairs/Middle_East/July1503MEPIFactSheet.html Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:54:11 UTC

d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)

f. Same ballot papers used nationwide

Comments: The vote is carried out by ticking a prepared ballot card in a special voting room. The voter can not make more than one choice in the referendum or election. Votes that are conditional or marked more than once or marked on a paper other than the ballot card or a ballot card carrying a mark that indicates the identity of the voter will be disqualified and void.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, articles 23 and 26. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:54:48 UTC

s. Not applicable

Comments: The 40 members of the Consultative Council are appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 1, articles 33 (f) and 52. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:55:10 UTC

s. Not Applicable

Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Constitution 2002, chapter 1, article 1 (b) and chapter 4, section 1, article 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:55:32 UTC

a. At the polling stations

Comments: When the designated time for voting ends the chairman of every sub-committee will announce the end of the voting process after making sure every voter listed has cast his ballot, and register it in a report to be signed by the chairman and the general secretary so the committee can then begin the ballot counting at the polling station.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002,Exercising Political Rights, part 3, articles 24. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:55:55 UTC

b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box

l. Counted by hand

Comments: When the designated time for voting ends the chairman of every sub-committee will announce the end of the voting process after making sure every voter listed has cast his ballot, and register it in a report to be signed by the chairman and the general secretary so the committee can then begin the ballot counting.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued, by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 20. Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, articles 24. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:56:48 UTC

b. Sub-district level

Comments: The chairman of the sub-committee for the electoral district will announce the result of the election and the number of votes received by each candidate. The chairman and the secretary sign the register and the register along with the ballot papers are to be sent to the Supreme Election Committee, which will take over the task of announcing the final results and to inform the winners of their membership to the Parliament. The General Secretariat of the Parliament will after the announcement of the results issue certificates of membership to the winners.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:57:17 UTC

b. District level

Comments: The Kingdom of Bahrain shall be divided into a number of constituencies each consisting of a number of electoral districts. Each electoral district elects one candidate.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights. part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:57:45 UTC

a. Physically transported

Comments: The chairman of the sub-committee for the electoral district will announce the result of the election and the number of votes received by each candidate. The chairman and the secretary sign the register and the register along with the ballot papers are to be sent to the Supreme Election Committee, which will take over the task of announcing the final results and to inform the winners of their membership to the Parliament. The General Secretariat of the Parliament will after the announcement of the results issue certificates of membership to the winners.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:58:24 UTC

a. Ballots

f. Certificate of result

g. Ballot boxes

Comments: Register, ballot papers and sealed ballot boxes are to be sent to the Supreme Election Committee.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 20. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:58:54 UTC

h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel

Comments: Nothing is mentioned about security measures during transport.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 20. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:00:33 UTC

e. Court order

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:01:02 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued, by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:01:33 UTC

b. An individual candidate

Comments: Every candidate in an electorate has the right to contest in cassation the results of the elections in his constituency within 15 days from the date of announcement of the final election results. And if it was proven to the court then the court will review the documents.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:01:52 UTC

h. Courts

Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:02:11 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: The chairman of the sub-committee for the electoral district will announce the result of the election and the number of votes received by each candidate.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 20. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:02:35 UTC

a. hours: X

Comments: After the closing of polls and the counting of ballots, preliminary results will be announced.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 2, article 20. Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:02:55 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, articles 28 and 29. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:03:22 UTC

a. hours:

Comments: The Supreme Election Committee announces the final results and informs the winners of their membership to Parliament.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Organizing Referendums and Elections, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, articles 28 and 29. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 23:03:40 UTC

h. Political parties/ candidates

i. Media

Comments: Candidates are free to organise their election campaigns in accordance with the law and the constitution, which means that each candidate must respect the freedom of opinion of others, adhere to sustaining national unity and must not interfere in the campaigns of other candidates. Every candidate will have equal space to hang election posters and banners. The law prohibits the holding of festivals or gatherings, or the distribution of gifts near ballot stations, as this will be considered an illegal approach to electors. Equality of media coverage is guaranteed for all candidates under the law.
Source: The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:12:20 UTC

b. Election time only

Comments: The final stage is the election campaign which culminates in the ballot itself on the Election Day.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:12:53 UTC

a. No

Comments: The election campaigns are the candidates' responsibility. Each candidate has its own way but according to the Law.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:13:24 UTC

a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns

b. Media advertisement

Comments: Every candidate will have equal space to hang election posters and banners. The law prohibits the holding of festivals or gatherings, or the distribution of gifts near ballot stations, as this will be considered an illegal approach to electors. Equality of media coverage is guaranteed for all candidates under the law.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:14:13 UTC

b. Media advertisement

Comments: There is no civic education activities carried out.
Source: Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament issued, by Decree no 14 for 2002, part 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:14:55 UTC

c. Women

Comments: The preparatory committee for the Women’s Union, an NGO that works to promote women’s rights, has prepared a programme to support female candidates, which includes media training for TV and press interviews, and workshops on the importance of women’s political participation.
Source: http://www.bahrainbrief.com.bh/english/sep-2002.htm Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:17:24 UTC

b. No

Comments: There is no code of conduct, however there are rules and regulations to be followed.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 4. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:32:04 UTC

b. At any polling station in the same voting district

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:32:48 UTC

b. Citizens residing outside the country

c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)

Comments: Any citizen eligible voter registered in the voters schedule living abroad has the right to cast his vote in referendum or election in the normal procedure or through electronic means according to the directives of the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs. They can vote in the Embassies, Consulates, or Diplomatic Mission.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 25. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:33:40 UTC

a. Embassies

b. Consulates

e. By mail

f. Other

Comments: Any citizen registered in the voters schedule living abroad has the right to cast his vote in referendum or election in the normal procedure or through electronic means according to the directives of the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs. They can elect in the Embassies, Consulates, or Diplomatic Mission.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002. Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 25. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:35:44 UTC

a. No

Comments: The process of voting in the Elections will continue from 8 am to 6 pm, if in any district there are voters who have not cast their ballot then the process will continue in that district only. If all voters registered in the schedule have completed the process ahead of time then the chairman can declare the end of voting after the final voter casts his ballot.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:36:24 UTC

f. Not applicable

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:41:02 UTC

g. Not applicable

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 21. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:41:26 UTC

b. No

Comments: There is no maximum number in any polling station; when all voters registered in the scheduled has cast their ballots then the chairman can declare the end of voting after the final voter casts his ballot.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 24. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:41:44 UTC

b. No no maximum

Comments: There is no maximum number in any polling station; when all voters registered in the scheduled has cast their ballots then the chairman can declare the end of voting after the final voter casts his ballot.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 24. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:42:05 UTC

a. By manually marking the ballot

Comments: The vote is carried out by ticking a prepared ballot in a special voting room.
Source: Law by Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 23. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:42:38 UTC

a. The smallest polling station: 3
b. The largest polling station: 3

Comments: In each polling station there is a sub-committee consisting of a chairman and 2 members.
Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:43:02 UTC

a. hours: no training mentioned

Source: Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:43:38 UTC

a. hours: no training mentioned

Source: Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:44:11 UTC

f. 21

Comments: The citizen practicing his political rights should be 21 years of age on the day of referendum or election.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 2 (1). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:19:20 UTC

a. Citizenship

e. Other

Comments: The voter should be also of complete mental health. Besides, he/she should be a resident of the electoral district. In case he/she is living abroad, the last place of residence in the Kingdom will be his/her electoral district. If s/he has no residence in Bahrain then s/he follows the district of his/her immediate family.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 2 (2, 3). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:19:55 UTC

a. Criminal Incarceration

Comments: A person is prohibited from practicing political rights if s/he is sentenced for a crime or incarcerated, until s/he finishes her/his sentence.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 3. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:20:28 UTC

e. Other

Comments: In every electoral district a committee is to be appointed by the order of the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs called "The Elections and Referendums Supervisory Committee" comprising of the chairman from a judicial or legal body and two members, one of them takes the position of the secretary. This committee is authorized to prepare the voters' schedule, receive and sort the application for candidacy, prepare the candidates' schedules; to look into objections regarding the process, all in all the committee is in charge of ensuring the elections or referendums are sound and valid.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 7. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:22:16 UTC

a. National citizens register

Comments: The list is to be in alphabetical order based on the official documents in coordination with the Central Population Registration at the Central Statistics Organization.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 8 (1, 2, 3, 4). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:23:02 UTC

d. During the election period

Comments: The Elections and Referendums Supervisory Committee will be formed before every parliament ends its term.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 14. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:23:48 UTC

a. Links to national population records

Comments: The list is to be in alphabetical order based on the official documents in coordination with the Central Population Registration at the Central Statistics Organization.
Source: Decree number 14, 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 1, article 8 (1, 2, 3, 4). Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:24:40 UTC

a. Yes

Source: Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 2, article 6. Updated on March 10, 2005
Last updated: 2005-03-30 22:27:49 UTC

a. Percentage: high percentage

Last updated: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 14:02:45 GMT