Manama: A parliamentary candidate, along with a number of other candidates, has been targeted by vandals who are intent on destroying his election campaign posters.
Gazi Al Hamar, however, refuses to give up and has vowed to continue in his efforts to be elected to the lower chamber.
He said the targeting of his posters was most likely based on concerns about his intention to fight sectarianism and enhance services for the community.
Several posters were vandalised or removed in the Central and Northern governorates, after the formal launch of the election campaign for the 35 remaining seats of the lower chamber of the bicameral parliament.
Five candidates, all sitting members, have been re-elected after their constituency opponents pulled out and the official commission approved their appointments.
The winners, three independents and two Islamists, include Latifa Al Gaood, the first woman to be elected to parliament in the GCC countries.
Open support
In 2006, she was also elected unopposed after her challenger withdrew.
Islamists dominated the 2006-2010 lower chamber and the chances of an over haul now appear to be dimming after only nine women applied to run and political formations refused to openly support independent candidates.
Campaigning in Bahrain, like in Kuwait, involves putting up posters and signs, featuring a picture of the candidate and a short message.
The use of the Bahraini flag is not allowed, but several candidates have added pictures of mosques.
Most election hopefuls also set up large tents where they meet potential voters and discuss developments related to the quadrennial elections.
Receptions are sometimes organised in the hope of attracting constituents.