Bahrain court disqualifies MP for dual citizenship
Al Husseini's failure to disclose his foreign nationality during his candidacy
Dubai: Bahrain’s highest court has disqualified a member of parliament for failing to disclose his foreign citizenship.
The Seventh Court of Cassation made this decision after it was revealed that Mohammed Rafiq Al Hussaini, representing Muharraq’s first district, held dual citizenship, contrary to Bahrain’s constitutional stipulations.
This ruling came after the Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs appealed with evidence of Al Husseini's failure to disclose his foreign nationality during his candidacy.
According to Article 57(a) of the Bahraini Constitution, members of the Council of Representatives must exclusively possess Bahraini nationality, a regulation aimed at ensuring loyalty and dedication solely to the Kingdom.
The court emphasized that such prerequisites for legislative office are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the nation’s democratic framework and are not discriminatory but are measures to secure full allegiance to Bahrain
