MPs reopen offices and shift districts ahead of 2026 parliamentary election

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Preparations for Bahrain’s next parliamentary election have begun to stir, with a string of quiet but telling moves by political figures, former MPs and social activists.

As the current Council enters its final legislative stretch, a growing number of familiar names have reappeared in public, giving rise to talk of an early, undeclared contest already taking shape.

Media appearances have increased. So too have social initiatives and local engagements by figures who had kept a low profile for years. Some had gone entirely silent or stopped their political activity altogether.

Several have now returned with renewed visibility, drawing attention across social platforms, television and community events.

A number of sitting MPs have also reopened constituency offices or set up new ones.

Spaces

These spaces had remained shut or were not established at all during the past few years. Observers see this as a bid to reconnect directly with voters before what is expected to be a competitive season.

Some MPs have gone further. According to sources familiar with their plans, a few have formally changed their place of residence.

That move, which is allowed by law, enables them to contest elections in different districts.

Repositioning

It is being read as part of a broader repositioning effort as they seek new ground ahead of the vote.

Activity has not been limited to solo efforts. There are early signs of group coordination.

Former contenders and political activists have been meeting and exploring ways to align.

The goal appears to be to build early ties among likely entrants in the coming race and to lay the foundations for possible alliances.

In parallel, current and former MPs have stepped up their presence in the media.

Beyond interviews and written statements, some have launched community projects and voiced opinions on local matters.

These actions are seen by many as efforts to stay in the public eye and rebuild trust among voters.

No formal election schedule has been announced.

Preparations

Even so, the pace of movement on the ground suggests that preparations have already begun.

With summer 2026 widely anticipated as the expected timeframe, the months ahead are likely to bring more appearances, louder rhetoric and, in some cases, direct rivalry.

For now, Bahrain’s electorate is watching closely, weighing the return of old names and the early positioning that points to a contest already in motion.