The Northern Governorate is still taking the lead with the highest number of candidates running for the next parliamentary and municipal elections, President of the Ifta and Legislation Authority and Executive Director of Bahrain elections 2014 Abdullah Al Buainin said.
Speaking to Bahrain News Agency, he added that 430 candidates are still in the fray despite withdrawal of some from the race and rejection of some applications for not meeting the eligibility criteria. Clarifying the reasons pushing some candidates to submit their withdrawal applications, Al Buainin said the candidates have the full legal right to pull out of the electoral race without the need to mention the reasons.
He added preparations are in full swing to pave the way for electronic registration for voters abroad from November 9 to 15. Voters abroad will be able to cast their ballots on November 18, he noted, pointing out that coordination is made with Bahrain embassies abroad to overcome hardships which could hamper the electoral process. He also said that the number of voters abroad will be revealed soon.