Manama: The by-election to vote in a replacement for a former lawmaker will be held on June 16, the justice minister has said.

Ganem Al Buainain was on Monday appointed state minister for foreign affairs and on Tuesday, the lower chamber Speaker declared his seat formally vacant and requested the justice minister to launch the legal measures to elect a new lawmaker who will represent the Eighth Constituency in Muharraq.

Voters will cast their ballots between 8 am and 8 pm, Shaikh Khalid Bin Ali, the justice minister, said on Thursday.

A second round will be held on June 20 in case no candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the votes.

Bahrainis from the Muharraq Eighth Constituency living abroad will cast their ballots on June 12 and on June 19 in case a second round is held.

Candidates wishing to run for the single seat have to sign up between May 19 and 21, the justice minister said.

A high committee to oversee the elections was set up.