Citizens with outstanding EWA bills can’t contest polls

The candidacy of individuals planning to run for the upcoming parliamentary or municipal elections will be rejected if they have outstanding bills with the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).

Justice Ministry sources said that those who plan to run for the elections must clear their arrears with the EWA before filing the nominations.

“There are special plans now available through which arrears can be settled in installments,” the sources added. Other criteria for candidacy include Bahraini citizenship for at least past ten years. “Dual citizens are not eligible, though Bahraini citizens who also hold another GCC nationality can contest polls.”

It is also affirmed that the candidates’ names must be included in the electoral tables of the constituencies, from where they contest polls. Candidates must not be less than 30 years of age on the day of the election, and this condition shall be verified on the basis of a birth certificate or identity card.