Kingdom of Bahrain Celebrates the 2014 Election Cycle

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Bahrain is turning another page in its political history as it prepares to host its 4th general elections on November 22nd, 2014.

The campaign race has officially commenced with 456 candidates contesting, including the highest number of women the country has seen. This year marks the largest turnout of nominees in the country's history, which indicates the growing awareness and importance of the political process, as well as the increasing willingness of citizens to engage in the democratic process to create a change through consensus.

The elections were commended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, expressing his hope that "all political stakeholders in the country will participate in the electoral process as candidates and voters". "I am grateful for your [His Majesty's] leadership and commitment to dialogue and reform in the interest of the Bahraini people," Ki-moon added. He also offered his encouragement to the "five areas of common ground" derived from the National Dialogue last month.

The High Elections Committee (HEC) has condemned the actions of those attempting to intimidate candidates against their nomination. The Public Prosecution has appointed prosecutors to oversee and investigate any allegation that seeks to obstruct one's civil right in running for the elections or voting for candidates. In addition, the HEC urges against the exploitation of religious platforms to promote any political agendas.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah AlKhalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Washington D.C. expressed his encouragement of citizens residing oversees to participate in the elections. "We have come a long way over the past 12 years, overcoming many of the challenges of an emerging democracy and realizing that reforming our political fabric will always be a continuous evolution." "It is in this transformative era that we need our citizens to engage in the democratic process, to ensure your voice is reflected in shaping the country's future," he added.

The Government hopes this election will unite citizens in a push to make this year the most successful election cycle in the country's history.

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SOURCE Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain