1st Capital
In 2018, longstanding MP Adel al-Asoumi once again easily wiped the competition off the field with a dominant result. MP Adel Al Asoumi’s name was removed from the candidates list, hence he as appealed his case to the court and final decision regarding his candidacy is yet to be made.
Areas covered: Manama northeast coast, Diplomatic Area, Houra, Qudaibiya
Number of candidates: 2
Voter demographic
1st Capital is one of the most predominantly loyalist areas within the Capital Governorate and so the result will be closely followed. For the many regional visitors to Bahrain, this is the Manama they know, with its hotels, leisure facilities, the Corniche and plentiful shopping and restaurant opportunities.
In terms of land area this is one of the larger Capital constituencies, although it has relatively low population density with only 6,317 registered voters, a substantial proportion of these clustered in the more traditional areas of Hoora and Qudaibiya.
One reason for the low population density is that the area encompasses many government and commercial offices, particularly in the Diplomatic Area and Financial Harbour. The population is set to grow in the coming years as much of the coastal land has been recently reclaimed and there are several huge residential projects underway.
2022 candidates
Murad Ali Abdulrahman Murad
Mohammed Hussain Abdullah Hussein Janahi
Other information
Housing blocks: 307, 308, 309, 310, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 344, 346
2014 registered voters: 6,317 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 72.0%
2018 winner Adel al-Asoomi (incumbent MP – 2613 votes) Vote tally for other candidates: Khalid Sulaibeekh – 654; Murad Ali – 62
2014 second round vote: Adel al-Asoumi (MP) – 2265 (54.5%), Khalid Sulaibeekh – 1891 (45.5%)
2nd Capital
In 2018, after a slow start, psychologist Sawsan Kamal built up an impressive campaign and won convincingly in round two
Areas covered: Central Manama, Burhama, Salehiya, Suwayfiyah
Number of candidates: 11
Voter demographic
This constituency includes the traditional market centre of Manama. However, the constituency has expanded quite substantially with the recent electoral border changes and now includes the outlying areas of Al-Burhama, Salehiya and Al-Suwayfiyah. As a result, it is difficult to make predictions as to which candidates may do well here.
According to an analysis by Al-Watan newspaper, the population of this constituency is around 80% Shia, attributing the past success of female Sunni MP Ibtisam Hijres in the 2014 elections to the overcoming of sectarian and gender divisions.
Many urban Shia in these parts of Manama are from the Ajam community, of Iranian origin, who tend to stand apart from Al-Wefaq and the mainstream opposition. Many established Ajam families are staunchly loyalist and ignored Al-Wefaq’s election boycott, particularly with several moderate Shia candidates they could give their support to.
2022 candidates
Ibrahim Abdulrasool Abdulnabi al-Zeera
Ahmed Abdulwahid Jasim Hassan Qaratah
Alaaldiin Abdali Mohammed Hassan Al Nouh
Amal Ali Abdullah Ali Juma Budhaish
Hussein Abdallah Hassan Abdulrasoul Bin Rajab
Sawsan Mohammed Abdulrahim Kamal
Mohammed Huzza Rashid Hazza
Abdalshahid Yousef Ali al-Sammak
Suad Mohammed Mubarak Mohammed
Salman Ibrahim Mohammed al-Houti
Ahmed Mohammed Abdullah Haji Ali
Other information
Housing blocks: 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 351, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357
2014 registered voters: 8,361 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 33.3%
2018 second round results: Sawsan Kamal (1894 votes) vs. Faisal Bin-Rajab (788). 2018 first round results: Sawsan Kamal (1188) vs. Faisal Bin-Rajab (582). Vote tally for other candidates: Ebtisam Hijres – 285; Alaa Abdali – 234; Ali Jawad – 173; Ahmed al-Hawwaj – 88
2014 second round vote: Ahmed Qaratah (MP) – 1224 (60.3%). Hashim al-Alawi – 806 (39.7%)
3rd Capital
In 2018, 3rd capital was the only constituency where a candidate came top in the first round with less than 500 votes, making it one of the few areas where the opposition boycott remained strong. Local businessman Mamdouh al-Saleh came through to win in the second round with just over 900 votes.
Areas covered: Sanabis, Karbabad, Seef
Number of candidates: 8
Voter demographic
This district is a strange combination of the fashionable Seef District which features several of Manama’s most popular malls; alongside localities like Sanabis and Karbabad which have been hotbeds of opposition rioting in 2011.
The boycott does seem to have split this community with many criticizing Al-Wefaq’s boycott, which they say risks depriving locals of proper representation. The 2014 electoral campaign in this Capital constituency was notably lackluster and even in the upmarket Seef District, there is hardly a single campaign poster in evidence for any of the candidates. At least one candidate, Mohammed al-Mawali, reported multiple attacks against his property by opposition militants in 2014; a factor that perhaps further deterred potential candidates and voters in the 2014 election. However, 8 candidates have come forward this time reflecting a change in attitudes towards the elections in the constituency.
2022 candidates
Mohammed Reza Ali Hassan Ali al-Aradi
Abdulhadi Ali Mansour Hassan Nasser
Mamdouh Abbas Ahmed al-Saleh
Ali Hassan Abdulhussein Abdalrahim
Zahra Amin Yousef Yaqoub Hassan al-Watani
Fatima Salman Dawoud Salman
Fatima Abdulredha Ibrahim Ali Hassan al-Mudaweb
Zainab Mohsen Zein al-Din Mohsen Makki al-Hayki
Other information
Housing blocks: 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 592
2014 registered voters: 10,225 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 9.8%
2018 second round results: Mahdi Sharar (830) vs. Mamdooh al-Saleh (businessman – 906). 2018 first round results: Mahdi Sharar (333) vs. Mamdouh al-Saleh (329). Vote tally for other candidates: Adel Hamid – 294; Abdulhadi Marhoun – 162; Abdulhadi al-Basri – 145; Fatima al-Mudawib – 100; Ali Samir – 79; Mohammed al-Aradi – 79; Hamad al-Qassimi – 61; Hussain Radhi – 60; Hussain Rabiya – 56; Essam Bahrani – 45; Ammar al-Mahari – 10; Mohammed al-Haiki – 9; Ahmed Faraj – 7;
3rd Capital 2014 first round vote: Ali Shamtout (MP) – 246 (29.1%); Adel Bin-Hamid – 203 (24.0%); Abbas Siraj – 123 (14.5%); Abbas Kayid – 107 (12.7%); Ammar al-Mahari – 84 (9.9%); Hashim al-Aradi – 54; Mohammed al-Mawali – 29. 2014 second round vote: Adel Bin-Hamid – 394 (65.0%) Ali Shamtout (MP) – 212 (35.0%)
4th Capital
Following a disappointing electoral performance in 2014, in 2018 popular journalist Ammar al-Bannai convincingly beat incumbent MP Abdulrahman Bumjaid, with Bannai winning twice as many votes in round two. Former MP Hassan Bukhamas was forced out of the race in round one.
Areas covered: Fateh, Juffair, Ghuraifa, Mina Salman, Umm Hassam, Abu-Ghazzal, Adliya
Number of candidates: 7
Voter demographic
This district includes the area around Bahrain’s central Al-Fateh Mosque, the popular coastal Juffair area and the culturally-significant locality of Adliya. However, this region contains a diverse range of localities: Middle class and working class; a broad range of political affiliations and a mix between Sunni-majority and Shia-majority areas; including Ajam Bahrainis of Iranian origin, who are often loyalist in orientation.
2022 candidates
Baria Faraj Salim Khamis
Abdullah Juma Fairuz Salim
Jamal Mubarak Mohammed Abdalkarim al-Atiyyah
Hamad Hassan Surour Mubarak Allaq al-Noaimi
Hassan Eid Rashid Bukhamas
Noura Abduljabbar Qassim Khanji
Ammar Ahmed Ghulam al-Bannai
Other information
Housing blocks: 324, 325, 326, 327, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 373
2014 registered voters: 7,014 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 62.3%
2018 second round results: Ammar Al Bannai (journalist – 2490) vs. Abdulrahman Bumjaid (incumbent MP – 1265). 2018 first round result: Ammar al-Bannai (1376) vs. Abdulrahman Bumjaid (992). Vote tally for other candidates: Hassan Bukhamas – 326
4th Capital 2014 first round votes: Abdulrahman Bumjaid (MP) – 1773 (42.6%); Ibrahim al-Mannai (Mithaq) – 738 (17.7%); Hassan Bukhamas (MP) – 678 (16.3%); Ammar al-Banai – 649 (15.6%); Adnan al-Nuaimi – 103; Fadhil al-Badu – 223. Second round vote: Abdulrahman Bumjaid (MP) – 2052 (59.6%) Ibrahim al-Mannai (Mithaq) –1394 (40.5%)
5th Capital
In 2018, vigourous young campaigner Ahmed al-Saloom from Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce defeated incumbent MP Nasser al-Qaseer in round two by a very large margin
Areas covered: Bilad al-Qadeem, Zinj, Salmaniya, Segaya, Mahooz and Abu Asheera
Number of candidates: 8
Voter demographic
The inclusion of several opposition strongholds during the 2014 boundary redrawing made this sector an unpredictable one, although moderate, professional Shia candidates have tended to do well in these areas.
2022 candidates
Khaled Saleh Qassim Abdulrasool
Mahdi Saleh Hussein al-Madhoob
Anwar Mohammed Nour Mohammed Abdulghafour
Abdulamir Hassan Ali Hussein
Mohammed Ali Mohammed Ali al-Jabari
Abdullah Jaafar Ahmed Hassan al-Aali
Ali Khalil Ali Ibrahim Hassan Naeem al-Hayki
Ahmed Sabah Salman al-Saloom
Other information
Housing blocks: 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 334, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364
2014 registered voters: 7,782 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 32.3%
2018 second round results: Ahmed al-Saloom (Chamber of Commerce member – 1891) vs. Nasser al-Qaseer (incumbent MP – 843). 2018 first round results: Ahmed al-Saloom (1126) vs. Nasser al-Qaseer (766). Vote tally for other candidates: Dunia Fakhrawi – 293; Fatima Jawad – 267; Abdulamir Hassan – 78; Rashid Izzuddin – 72 Hani Mohammed – 20; Mohammed Qahiri
5th Capital 2014 first round vote: Nasser al-Qaseer – 821 (36.0%); Wafa Ajoor – 523 (22.9%); Adel Al Safar – 368 (16.1%); Mamoud al-Hamar – 143 (6.3%); Hussain Bukhamas – 118; Kadhim al-Uwaynati – 117; Ibrahim al-Awadhi – 96; Basimah Saleh – 64; Rashad Umar -32. Second round vote: Nasser al-Qaseer – 1047 (55.6%) Wafa Ajoor – 836 (44.4%)
6th Capital
In 2018, psychologist Dr. Masooma Abdulrahim was just a handful of votes behind MP Ali al-Atish after round one; but went on to win convincingly in round two.
Areas covered: Khamis, Musalla, Tashan, Abu Baham, Adhari, North Sehla, South Sehla
Number of candidates: 13
Voter demographic
Several areas of this district were incorporated from parts of the Northern Governorate, producing an area where opposition support is prevalent. So it will be interesting to see what proportion of people boycott and how the candidates fare.
In violence after the Shia Ashura processions prior to the 2014 elections, there was an outbreak of vandalism in the area, including the destruction of at least one billboard for Abdullah al-Kooheji. Unsurprisingly, most other local candidates were reluctant to publicly display any promotional material advertising themselves in 2014. However, things have possibly changed since the 2018 elections, considering the victory of a female candidate and the number of candidates that have come forward in the 2022 elections.
2022 candidates
Al-Sayed Mahmoud Mohammed Redha al-Tooblani
Ali Abdulhussein Ali Mohammed al-Bana
Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Al Sahwan
Kamal Mirza Abdulhussein Jaffar
Fadhel Ali Abdullah al-Sanadi
Mahmoud al-Sayed Jaafar Alawi Jawad
Nadiya Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed
Adel Bilal Ibrahim Abdullah al-Bilal
Sadeq Ahmed Ghulam Abdullah
Mahmoud Mirza Jaffar Ali Fardan
Al-Sayed Mohammed Mousa Mahdi Kadhem Salman
Masooma Hassan Abdulhussein Abdulrahim
Salman Adel Salman Ali Salman Awaji
Other information
Housing blocks: 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 405, 407, 411, 413, 419, 421, 423, 425, 701, 705, 707, 711, 713
2014 registered voters: 10,946 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 26.2%
2018 second round results: Ali al-Atish (Rabitah society, incumbent MP – 1806) vs. Dr. Masooma Abdulrahim (psychologist – 2137). 2018 first round result: Ali al-Atish (903) vs. Dr. Masooma Abdulrahim (892). Vote tally for other candidates: Sayed Mohammed Shubar – 424; Kamil Mirza – 375; Nadia al-Milah – 347; Fadhil Ashour – 214; Abdeen Darweesh – 156; Abdullah Ahmed – 145; Ishan al-Faraj 99; Ali Kamali – 43
6th Capital 2014 first round vote: Ali Hassan Ahmed Ali al-Atish (MP, Rabitah) – 1039 (41.8%); Abdullah al-Kooheji – 835 (33.6%); Masooma Abdulrahim – 438 (17.6%); Ihsan al-Faraj – 63; Abdulnabi Mahdi – 112. Second round vote: Ali al-Atish (MP, Rabitah) – 1280 (69.3%) Abdullah al-Kooheji – 567 (30.7%)
7th Capital
In 2018, Afaf al-Mousawi ultimately failed to catch up with experienced campaigner Zainab Abdulamir in round two. This constituency has the highest turnover of MPs, while 6 different MPs represented the constituency since 2002. It also has the highest number of females candidates, as 8 women are running in the 2022 elections.
Areas covered: Jidali, Jurdab
Number of candidates: 16
Voter demographic
This district is a remaining fragment of the 1st district of the defunct Capital Governorate. The district lies to the south of Manama along the stretch of coast facing the island of Sitra and has a diverse population, making voting predictions difficult.
For example, parts of the locality hails from the Ajam community of Iranian origins, although some Ajam have opposition sympathies, the established families, with close ties to the royal family, are staunchly loyalist. So a respectable turnout can be expected.
This area has tended to have one of the highest turn-outs for elections in the Capital area. The lack of any pervading political ideology and a diverse community have tended to favour a broad range of independent candidates and historically has resulted in some of the most interesting – and surprising – electoral contests.
2022 candidates
Majid Yousef al-Sheikh Mohammed Al Mubarak
Basil Habib Mansour al-Arrayedh
Zainab Abdulamir Khalil Ibrahim
Riyadh Abdulkarim Ahmed Kuwaitan
Hana Mohammed Abdulkarim Abdullah Ahmed
Saeed Abbas Essa Ahmed
Salman Essa Salman Ali Redha
Naseemm Mohammed Ali Abdullatif Ali
Jaffar Ali Hassan Mahfoudh
Rabab Abdullah Nasrullah Shamsan
Amal Mohammed Habbib Haji Abdullah
Samana Abdulhassan Ghulam Haydar Haidari
Ibtihaj Abdullah Khalifa al-Asboul
Ali Hassan Mohammed Taheri
Sajedah Jassim Abdullah Sawar
Majdi Jassim Ahmed al-Nasheet
Other information
Housing blocks: 709, 721, 729, 733, 816
2014 registered voters: 10,695 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 46.1%
2018 second round results: Zainab Abdulamir (journalist – 3092) vs. Afaf al-Mousawi (1644)
2018 first round results: Zainab Abdulamir (2360) vs. Afaf al-Mousawi (808). Vote tally for other candidates: Abdulaziz Murad – 711; Talal al-Qannas – 515; Fuad al-Ruwaie – 202; Riyadh Kuwaitan – 175
7th Capital 2014 first round votes: Osamah al-Khajah – 1458 (32.9%); Zainab Abdulamir – 1092 (24.6%); Khalid al-Quwwati – 656 (14.8%); Ridha Shukrallah – 615 (13.9%); Abdullah al-Dirazi – 610 (13.8%). 2014 second round vote: Osamah al-Khajah – 2094 (60.4%) Zainab Abdulamir – 1373 (39.6%)
8th Capital
In 2018, a relatively unknown candidate, Fadhil Abbas, has made it into Parliament via a second-round win. MP Majeed al-Asfour lost his seat.
Areas covered: Nabih Saleh, Sitra, Industrial Area, Marqoban, Mahaza
Number of candidates: 9
Voter demographic
This constituency, centred around Sitra, in 2014 represented one of the strongest areas of support for the opposition’s vote boycott. Hence, repeated attacks were reported against candidates and their property. In 2018 the boycott took a less organized and visible form, nevertheless, levels of voting have been low; particularly after no vote was held here in 2014 because on elections day only one candidate remained in the race.
2022 candidates
Jaleela Alawi al-Sayed Hassan Ali
Nasser Mohammed Ali Abdulkarim Nasser Essa
Hussein Ali Abdullah Ahmed Ibrahim Idraboh
Zahra Abdulhafedh Janoub Rabeei
Aqeel Salman Abdulhassan Ahmed Saleel
Sameer Abdullah Ali Jassim
Fadhel Abbas Ali Essa al-Sawwad
Jaffar Abdullah Abbas Hussein
Faisal Makki Ibrahim Ismael al-Mulla
Other information
Housing blocks: 380, 381, 382, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606
2014 registered voters: 9,372
2018 second round results: Fadhel Abbas (1085) vs. Sayyid Mohammed Ashoor (639). 2018 first round results: Fadhil Abbas (647) vs. Mohammed Ashour (247). Vote tally for other candidates: Dr. Majeed al-Asfour – 256; Zahra Hanoun – 108; Dr. Mohammed al-Saddadi – 59
9th Capital
In 2018, MP Mohammed Milad only succeeded in gaining 52 votes, leaving two new and relatively unknown figures in first place; Ammar Hussain al-Mukhtar and Dr. Zahra Haram. Following a convincing second-round win, Mukhtar made it into Parliament.
Areas covered: Southern Sitra, East Eker
Number of candidates: 4
Voter demographic
This constituency is another entirely new area, made up of several former districts. Being centred around Sitra and Al-Eker, it includes opposition areas, and so may be influenced by calls for a boycott. In 2014 candidate Mohammed al-Ekri withdrew from the contest two weeks after attacks against his property. Militants attacked and burned Al-Ekri’s car business, causing large amounts of damage. Al-Ekri said he had been accused of being a “traitor” for participating in the elections. Less than 10% of voters turned out in 2014.
2022 candidates
Mohsin Ali Abdullah Mohammed al-Asboul
Ahmed Abdali Ali Abdullah Mohammed
Ibrahim Ali Mohammed Mohsin al-Asfour
Ammar Hussein Ibrahim Abbas Al Mukhtar
Other information
Housing blocks: 607, 608, 609, 611, 623, 624, 633, 634
2014 registered voters: 9,591 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 9.6%
2018 second round results: Ammar Hussain al-Mukhtar (1769) vs. Dr. Zahra Haram (616). 2018 first round results: Ammar Hussain (799) vs. Dr. Zahra Haram (343). Vote tally for other candidates: Ibrahim al-Asfour – 353; Ibrahim Matar – 127; Mohammed Milad – 52
9th Capital 2014 first round vote: Ibrahim al-Asfour – 302 (39.1%); Mohammed Jaffar – 266 (34.5%); Mohammed Al Shaikh – 204 (26.4%). Second round vote: Mohammed Jaffar – 500 (62.3%) Ibrahim al-Asfour – 303 (37.7%)
10th Capital
In 2018, Progressive Tribune candidate Eman Showaiter lost to Handball Federation chairman Ali Ishaqi in the second round; with Ishaqi coming top with a 3279-vote win.
Areas covered: West Eker, Sanad and South Isa Town
Number of candidates: 13
Voter demographic
In 2014 this constituency saw 15 candidates facing off against each other, which at the time was historically the highest number of candidates for a Bahrain constituency. This constituency was a new creation resulting from the constituency boundary reforms, largely put together from the cancelled Central Governorate.
The theory was that a mixed central region like this would favour moderate consensus candidates, hence the 2014 appearance of middle-ground societies like Al-Watan and Mithaq contesting this seat and three rival female candidates. One 2014 newspaper analysis noted the prevalence of “technocratic and liberal” candidates, while expecting a high turnout of female voters. In the event, these diverse candidates perhaps cancelled each other out, and the result was the 2014 vote being won by Salafist cleric Nabil al-Balooshi. Former MP Sumaya al-Jowder faced criticism from several sources of her parliamentary performance and she failed to make it into the second round IN 2014.
2022 candidates
Najma Ghuloum Reza Nasser Mohammed Taqi
Shamshad Farouq Mohammed Ismael Shakeeb
Ali Mohammed Essa Abdullah Ishaqi
Hani Hamza Ali Ibrahim
Mohammed Yahya Delshad Murad
Hassan Fawaz Hassan Salah al-Rowaei
Abdullah Hassan Mohammed Ahmed Eid
Nawaf Mohammed Jawad Ali al-Jashi
Ateyatallah Abdullah Hamad Abdullah Al Sinan
Eman Hassan Ibrahim Abdullah Showaiter
Mohammed Abdulkarim Jassim Naem al-Hayki
Aliyah Jassim Saqr Jassim al-Hamlan
Yousef Ahmed Yousef Mahmoud Mustafa
Other information
Housing blocks: 625, 626, 644, 743, 745, 815
2014 registered voters: 10,046 2014 percentage 1st round voter turnout: 49.4%
2018 second round results: Ali Ishaqi (3279) vs. Eman Showaiter (Progressive Democratic Tribune – 2584)
First round result: Ali Ishaqi (2182) vs. Eman Showaiter (1327). Vote tally for other candidates: Hamad Taqi – 910; Abdullah al-Hammadi – 704; Khalid al-Eid – 147; Tariq Mihna – 68; Luay Khamis 18
10th Capital 2014 first round vote: Nabil al-Balooshi – 877 (19.1%); Ali Ishaqi – 758 (16.5%); Adel Abduljalil – 593 (12.9%), Atiyatallah Al Sinan – 533 (11.6%), Wajih Baqer (Mithaq) – 410, Khalifa Sulaibikh – 328, M. al-Markh – 164, Lulwah Mutlaq (Watan) – 267, Salman al-Saffar – 129, Sumayah al-Jowder – 77, Noura Matouq – 70, Yassir al-Khayyat – 62, Yassir Bukhuwwah – 55, Tariq al-Tamimi – 58, Abdulhamid al-Baqishi – 12. Second round vote: Nabil al-Balooshi – 2151 (56.0%) Ali Ishaqi – 1692 (44.0%)