SIXTEEN candidates are running for a single parliamentary seat in the Capital Governorate’s constituency 10.
This is the highest number of candidates vying for one seat in all of Bahrain’s electoral history.
Five registered their candidacy on the final day yesterday, but none showed up after the extension of the deadline from 9pm to 10.30pm.
The constituency covers west Eker, Sanad and the south of Isa Town.
Ahmed Al Akbari, 52, who is the Sunni Waqf Directorate administrative affairs and human resources head, is among the 16.
“I am working on my four-year plan for whenever I get elected and undoubtedly it will be up to the liking of my voters,” he said.
“The huge number reflects the success of the elections and with more than 10 candidates in my constituency – it is clear that there will be a second round, but I don’t care about competition, since I am strong with confidence.”
Former MP Dr Somaya Al Jowder, who was elected in the by-elections in 2011, said the boycott of the opposition had encouraged many to enter.
“What was previously known as one of Al Wefaq’s fortresses is now open to all and honestly it is better since it would encourage more competition that would lead to the best getting elected,” she said.
“I know that my three-year experience makes me the best candidate and my continuation is something I am eager for since it means that I would go ahead with whatever has been left pending.”
Bahrain Handball Federation chairman Ali Ishaqi, 46, said things had changed since he ran for a seat in 2010.
“It was harder four years ago with Al Wefaq, but I won 2,600 votes and this shows that I am capable now more than ever of winning my seat,” he said.
“An issue I will take is non-Bahrainis born to Bahraini mothers and their right to choose between nationalities, which needs proper legislation to regulate it.”
The brother of outspoken former MP Osama Mohana Al Tamimi, Tariq, is also in the running.
“My brother is supporting me, but he has his different campaign and I have mine. “We may share some ideas and we may differ, but I have my own agenda in parliament that I will fulfill,” said the
41-year-old pilot.
“I have ideas to change the administrative mannerism of how ministries and government bodies work and for that I will work – I am confident of winning despite the large number of candidates because of my national agenda.”
Noora Abdulla Matooq, 36, believes that competition is the same whether it is 10 running or 20.
“I have studied my chances and I had plans to run for a municipal seat in the now dissolved Central Governorate and have been trained by the Supreme Council for Women over the past two years,” said the Labour Ministry labour disputes superintendent.
“I just readjusted my municipal plans into a legislative perspective and with the skills I have been taught and trained on, it doesn’t matter if it is 10 or 20.”