In an extensive poll conducted by Derasat on the upcoming elections Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa: The results of the national survey confirm the high participation rate in the electoral process and optimism about the future of the democratic process
7 November 2022
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), stated that the results of the national survey conducted by the Center on the parliamentary and municipal elections, scheduled to be held on November 12, showed great popular keenness to participate in the democratic entitlement, and wide interaction to exercise the constitutional right to manage public affairs in light of full conviction of the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, and the availability of all the ingredients and procedures established. He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain will witness an exceptional event that presents a successful, integrated and sustainable model for a free and responsible democratic life, and reflects the honorable civilized image of the people of Bahrain, and their keenness to protect national gains, and build on the consolidation of constitutional institutions and the rule of law.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed that the issuance of Royal Decree No. (26) of 2022 regarding setting the date for election and candidacy for membership of the House of Representatives is a new stage in the process of national work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and an important pillar in consolidating popular participation and consolidating the sound democratic practice, which was established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support and assistance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Successor to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees explained that the national survey for parliamentary and municipal elections is the largest of its kind in the region, and the study sample reached (5021) citizens, males and females of the age groups 20 years and above, noting that the poll process, which took place during the period from 10 to 31 October 2022, included a survey of the extent to which citizens participate in the voting process, identifying their opinions on the performance of the former parliamentary and municipal councils, measuring voters’ attitudes and expectations regarding the future of the democratic choice, and the relationship The voter and the candidate and the methods of communication between them, through field work and direct interviews with citizens in places of public gatherings, telephone calls, and social media, so that the poll constitutes a tributary to decision-making, based on providing a realistic analytical and statistical reading of the electoral scene in the Kingdom.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stated that the results of the poll are promising and unprecedented in terms of popular participation, and reflect the strong trust that binds the wise leadership and the loyal people, and the extent of citizens’ interaction with the comprehensive reform approach and the mechanisms of national action, as well as their high awareness to exercise the constitutional right, and to meet the call of the homeland to choose the most capable and efficient to bear responsibility, noting the contribution of Derasat Center to the electoral process, by employing scientific research tools, including conducting opinion polls and survey studies, as It constitutes an important methodological mechanism to identify the opinions and attitudes of citizens, and to identify their needs and future aspirations.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees praised the performance and efforts of the Center’s cadres, cadres and researchers, to prepare for this expanded survey, and implement it efficiently, professionally and objectively, noting that the results of the data analysis will be submitted to the competent authorities, in addition to benefiting from these results in enriching knowledge sources, and making them available as references for researchers and those interested in this field, to enhance sustainable development efforts and develop the democratic path.
For her part, Ms. Ejlal Essa Bubashait, Director of the Opinion Polls Department at Derasat, said: “The implementation of the poll came within the framework of the Center’s interest in measuring the turnout of citizens to participate in the voting process, and to identify their expectations for the next cycle,” explaining that the target sample in the survey included all governorates of the Kingdom of Bahrain, while the preparation process for conducting the poll took a long period of time and intensive procedures, and witnessed the training of cadres on conducting direct interviews, and preparing an integrated questionnaire form, adding: The survey received an effective and conscious response by the citizens, smoothly and smoothly, and then the statistical data and results were analyzed with absolute impartiality and transparency.
The questionnaire included 14 questions for the sample, and the questions revolved around four main axes, namely: electoral participation, awareness of the role of the parliamentary and municipal councils, the extent of communication with members of the two councils, and finally performance evaluation and issues that must be taken care of.
According to the results of the national survey, the majority of citizens from all governorates and age groups announced their enthusiasm to participate in voting in the upcoming parliamentary and municipal elections, with a percentage ranging between (63% – 69%), noting that 18% have not made a decision on voting so far, and factors such as confidence in the reform approach, the integrity of the elections, and the national duty came at the forefront of the motives for voting at the ballot box.
The results of the survey also reflected awareness of the role of the parliament by (85%), while awareness of the role of the municipal council came by (79%), and the results showed dissatisfaction with the performance of the previous parliament by about (49%) compared to (36%) while about (15%) of the total respondents expressed insufficient follow-up to the performance of deputies or determine a specific position, while with regard to the municipal council, (62%) of citizens expressed their satisfaction with the performance of the previous council compared to dissatisfaction (17%) while There were (21%) unfollowed.
Regarding the extent to which the member of parliament and municipality of the constituency communicates after the election, (42%) reported that there is communication in various forms, compared to (58%) that the deputy does not communicate after reaching the council, while the communicator of the municipal member or not, the percentage came (55%) and (45%) respectively.
The issue of employment ranked first among the most important issues that the next parliament must pay attention to, according to the respondents’ directions, while the development of roads and infrastructure topped the issues that the next municipal council must take care of.
As for the most important qualities that a candidate for the parliament and municipality must possess, honesty and competence came first, followed by education and culture, and then belonging.
The respondents also expressed optimism about the upcoming parliamentary and municipal performance, in terms of enhancing the standard of living and the efficiency of public services, especially in light of the implementation of most of the programs of the economic recovery plan, and the successive achievements of the esteemed government headed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at all levels.