A nationwide campaign has been launched to encourage Bahrainis to cast their ballots in the upcoming national elections.

It includes setting up social media networks, 12-hour hotlines, SMS services and an interactive website ahead of the parliamentary polls on November 22, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Forty-one polling stations across Bahrain's four governorates have also been announced following an electoral shake up in which the Central Governorate was abolished by His Majesty King Hamad.

The Central's nine constituencies were divided among the Southern, Capital and Northern governorates while Muharraq remained the same. Changes were also made to the boundaries of all 40 constituencies.

The campaign was launched yesterday by the Elections Media Committee under the slogan 'With your vote, You can'.

It also urges voters to voice their concerns, file complaints and highlight issues relevant to the electoral process through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube using an Arabic hashtag named after the campaign.

“The emphasis will be on encouraging citizens to vote and exercise their political rights,” said the committee.

The 2014 parliamentary and municipal election mascot, named Tegdar, was also revealed yesterday along with a website, www.vote.bh, which has sections dedicated for overseas and local voters.

A dedicated hotline, 77277277, that will operate for 12 hours a day has also been launched to assist voters.

In addition, an SMS service will soon be launched where citizens can check if their names are on the voters list through their mobile phones.

Candidates contesting for parliament can put forward their nominations between October 15 and 19.

The elections will be held on November 22 and a second round, if needed, on November 29.

Elections at Bahrain embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions abroad will be held on November 18 and a second round, if needed, on November 25.

Meanwhile, lists of eligible voters will soon be put up in five supervisory centres '“ Khawla Secondary Girls School (Capital Governorate), Al Hidaya Al Khalifia Secondary Boys School (Muharraq Governorate), Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Primary and Intermediate Boys School (Northern Governorate) and West Riffa Secondary Girls School (Southern Governorate).

Voters can cast their ballots at any of the 31 polling stations - depending on their governorates - or the 10 general polling stations set up across Bahrain between 8am to 8pm.

They should be 20-years-old on Election Day and should not have criminal records unless rehabilitated.

They should also carry their original smart cards, passport or a polls card issued by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs in case a passport is not available.

After casting their ballot their passport will be stamped by the official 2014 Election logo.

The GDN yesterday (September 23) reported that new maps for Bahrain's 40 constituencies were drawn up hours after the Central Governorate was dissolved.

It means that the Central Municipal Council, Central Municipality and Central Governorate have all been disbanded.

The decree states that the Capital Governorate which comprised of eight constituencies will now have 10, while the Muharraq Governorate will remain the same with eight constituencies.

The biggest changes were made to the Southern Governorate which has increased from six constituencies to 10, and the Northern Governorate now has 12 constituencies from nine.

The move follows the outcome of the National Dialogue, which was presented by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, last week.

The framework contains five key elements '“ re-defining electoral districts; revised appointment process for Shura Council members and measures to ensure parliament can question actions of ministers, including the Prime Minister; new rights of approval for parliament on Cabinet appointments; further judicial reform, including strengthening constitutional independence of the judiciary; and new codes of conduct for security forces. - TradeArabia News Service