A new parliamentary proposal aims to put an end to what has been dubbed ‘tactical musical chairs’ of Bahrain’s electoral scene – a practice in which would-be candidates move between constituencies in search of an easier win.
The move would prevent candidates from contesting elections unless they have lived for at least 10 years in the constituency they seek to represent.
The proposal seeks to amend three key pieces of legislation – the 2002 Political Rights Law, the 2002 Municipal Councils’ Elections Law and the 2001 Municipal Law – to introduce the residency requirement.
Importantly, the condition would only apply to candidates and not to voters, meaning residents would be allowed to cast their ballots in their registered constituency without restriction.
“The so-called tactical musical chairs movement has to end,” said Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen, who is spearheading the proposal.
“Every election cycle, particularly a year before the vote, we see some candidates abandoning their home constituencies to jump into areas they believe are ‘weak’ – where the competition is softer and their chances of winning are greater. This is unfair to voters and to candidates who have genuine roots in the community.”
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