42 candidates file to contest polls as registration opens

Forty-two candidates filed nomination papers on the first day of registration on Monday to run in the April 4 snap parliamentary elections that were called after the previous National Assembly was dissolved in

February. The interior ministry opened registration of candidates after an Amiri decree was issued setting the election date on April 4, during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Registration of candidates ends on March 13, while withdrawals continue until March 28.

Fifteen members of the dissolved house and five former MPs from previous assemblies registered on the first day. The number of candidates on the first day was higher than the previous elections held in June last year, when only 30 candidates filed nomination papers on the first day. As many as 49 members of the 50 members of the dissolved house have already said they will contest for a seat in the assembly. Only Osama Al-Shaheen has dropped out of the race.The Assembly has been dissolved on three occasions since Aug 2020 and it has been dissolved nine times since 2006 due to continued political instability caused by disputes between the government and MPs.

The media center designated for the National Assembly 2024 elections’ candidacy registration is prepped and ready for the use of media outlets, an information ministry official earlier said. Assistant Undersecretary Lafi Al-Subaei said the center is equipped with the necessary tech and equipment, aiming to facilitate the work of media personnel in cooperation with the interior ministry. The information ministry has announced that media outlets wishing to cover elections can register via a QR code.The ministry has thus far received more than 380 requests.