Info

Bahrain

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Boundary Delimitation

BD001

Delimitation of constituencies

Question:	Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:	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, art. 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2005/03/30

BD003

Criteria for drawing boundaries

Question:	On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):	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, art. 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2005/03/30

BD005

Body responsible for drawing boundaries

Question:	The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):	a. Legislature (1st 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, art. 17. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2005/03/30

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Electoral Systems

ES001

Head of State

Question:	How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):	g. Inherited monarchy
Comments:	The King is Head of State.
Source:	Constitution 2002: chapter 4, section 1, art. 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2009/08/21

ES002

Head of Government

Question:	How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:	e. Appointed
Comments:	Appointed by the King.
Source:	Constitution 2002: chapter 4, section 1, art. 33(d). Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2009/08/21

ES003

President

Question:	Does the country have a president?
Answer:	b. No
Comments:
Source:	Constitution 2002: chapter 1, art. 1 (b) & chapter 4, section 1, art. 33 (a). Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2009/08/21

ES004

Number of Chambers

Question:	The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:	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, art 51. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2009/08/21

ES005

Electoral System (Chamber 1)

Question:	What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):	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, art. 56. The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002: section 2, part 1, art. 8. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2009/08/21

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Legislative Framework

LF001

Status of Electoral Law

Question:	What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):	c. Decree
Comments:
Source:	Decree number 14, 2002: Exercising Political Rights. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2006/11/17

LF003

Electoral Law covers

Question:	The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2006/11/17

LF004

Compulsory/voluntary voting

Question:	Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):	a. Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source:	Decree number 14, 2002: Exercising Political Rights, part 1, art. 1. International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Verified:	2006/11/17

LF007

Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)

Question:	What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):	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, art. 35. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2006/11/17

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Electoral Management

EM001

Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:

Name of Institution: Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs
Website Address: www.bahrain.gov.bh 

Source

No Source

Verified

2009/10/29

(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

EM002

Responsibility of national EMB

Question:	Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):	a. National level
Comments:
Source:	Decree number 14, 2002: Exercising Political Rights, part 3, art. 18.
Verified:	2004/07/22

EM004

EMB budget determined by

Question:	The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):	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, art. 109.
Verified:	2009/08/21

EM005

EMB expenditures controlled by

Question:	The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):	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, art. 109.
Verified:	2009/08/21

EM006

Term of EMB members

Question:	The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:	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, art. 17 & 18.
Verified:	2004/07/22

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Voter Education

VE001

Information campaigns performed by

Question:	Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2005/03/30

VE002

Frequency of voter education programs

Question:	At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:	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
Verified:	2005/03/30

VE003

National civic education

Question:	Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2005/03/30

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Voter Registration

VR001

Voting age

Question:	What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:	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
Verified:	2009/08/21

VR002

Other voting requirements

Question:	Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2005/03/30

VR004

Body responsible for voter registration

Question:	Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:	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
Verified:	2005/03/30

VR008

Compulsory voter registration

Question:	Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 2, article 6. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2009/08/21

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Voting Operations

VO003

Electors vote at

Question:	Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):	b. At any polling station in the same voting district
Comments:
Source:	Decree number 14 for 2002, Exercising Political Rights, part 3, article 28. Updated on March 10, 2005
Verified:	2005/03/30

VO004

Voting outside the country is permitted for

Question:	Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):	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 "Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook" (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

VO005

Locations for voting outside of the country

Question:	If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):	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 "Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook" (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

VO011

Voting method

Question:	How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):	a. Manually marking of ballots
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
Verified:	2005/03/30

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Parties and Candidates

PC001

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)

Question:	What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):	h. 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
Verified:	2009/08/21

PC003

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)

Question:	What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2009/08/21

PC008

Independent candidates

Question:	Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2009/08/21

PC012

Public funding of parties

Question:	Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):	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
Verified:	2005/03/30

PC015

Basis of public funding

Question:	What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):	f. No information available
Comments:
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
Verified:	2005/03/30

PC017

Private funding of parties

Question:	Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:	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
Verified:	2009/08/21

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Vote Counting

VC004

Voters are sorted/counted at

Question:	Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:	a. 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
Verified:	2009/08/21

VC011

Conditions for recount

Question:	Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):	e. Court order
Comments:
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
Verified:	2009/08/21

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Media and Elections

ME037

Parties receive free broadcast time based on

Question:	What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):	i. 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
Verified:	2009/08/21

ME059

Existence of televised debates

Question:	Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):	c. No
Comments:
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.
Verified:	2005/05/16

ME062

Blackout period for opinion polls

Question:	What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:	g. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified:	2005/05/16

ME080

Maximum amount for paid advertising

Question:	Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:	c. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified:	2009/08/21

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Direct Democracy

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
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 "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:	b. No
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 "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD004

Optional referendums (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
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 "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:	b. No
Comments:
Source:	Article 43 of Constitution "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:	b. No
Comments:	Only the King may submit a proposal
Source:	Article 43 of Constitution "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD007

Recalls (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:	b. No
Comments:	Mention of vote of no confidence but not of recall
Source:	Article 43 of Constitution "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD129

Binding referenda

Question:	Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:	a. Always binding
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:	Constitution, article 43 "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD130

National referenda deal with

Question:	Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:	c. Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source:	"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21

DD131

Direct Democracy at sub-national level

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:	d. Not applicable
Comments:	There are municipal elections, and in February 2001 Bahrain held a free popular constitutional referendum in which both men and women over the age of 18 voted. However, this is the extent of Bahrani enfranchisement. No mention of local referendum only municipal (governorate) votes.
Source:	CIA World Factbook - Bahrain (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html|). "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)" (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/21