Citizens have today been urged to bring their valid passports so as to cast their ballots in the upcoming parliamentary and municipal elections.
"The passport is the essential identity document for voting, along with the ID card", Legislation and Legal Opinion Chief, Parliamentary Elections Executive Director Abdulla bin Hassan Al-Bouainain said.
In a statement issued today, he urged voters to make sure their passports are not invalid or cancelled. Voters who lost their passports have been urged to report to the General Directorate of Passports to get issued with an official identity document in order to be able to cast their ballots on November22.
Mr. Al-Bouainain called upon voters who are renewing their passports or whose passports have been handed over to foreign embassies to finalize visa procedures to do likewise.
"This procedure has been coordinated with the Directorate of Passports so as to make it easier for voters to take part in the elections and cast their ballots in polling stations and general voting centres", he said, pointing out that holders of valid passports can report directly to polling centres to exercise their constitutional right.