Council for Islamic affairs urges fair electoral competition in Bahrain

The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) convened here today under the chairmanship of its President Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa.
The SCIA extended sincere congratulations to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa following the successful medical tests he had undergone recently.
It also congratulated the Bahraini people on HRH Premier's safety, praying Allah Almighty to bless the Premier with abundant good health and happiness in order to be able to pursue the development and progress march witnessed by the Kingdom during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's prosperous era.
The council also congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the success of the Haj season, praising the tremendous efforts exerted by the Saudi Government in the service of Haj pilgrims.
In this regard, the SCIA lauded the great care allocated by the Government of Bahrain, led by HRH Premier, and the Haj Mission to Bahraini Haj pilgrims.
The SCIA also extended utmost congratulations to HM King Hamad, HRH Premier, HRH the Crown Prince, the Bahraini people and the Arab and Islamic Nations on the advent of the new Hijri year, wishing them many happy returns.
In another context, the SCIA called on all Bahraini citizens to participate massively in the upcoming parliamentary and municipal elections.
It expressed satisfaction over the big number of candidates running for elections out of their desire to represent the people and assume their national duties.
The SCIA stressed that all sides should be committed to religious values and take national interests into account during the elections, urging fair competition between candidates.
The council stressed that the Ashoora season should be an opportunity to re-assert co-existence among the members of the Bahraini society, cement Islamic unity, strengthen social bonds and consolidate genuine religious culture, emphasising the need not to politicise the Hussainia rituals in order to preserve their sanctity.
The council urged preachers and Imams to be committed to constructive visions and avoid sparking sedition and sectarianism.
The SCIA recalled the late Scholar Shaikh Ahmed bin Al-Shaikh Al Asfoor's moderate approach, which gained him a prestigious status among all, expressing deep sorrow over his death.