HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN BAHRAIN

25 October 2002





Following is a statement made today by Sergio Vieira de Mello, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the parliamentary elections in the Kingdom of Bahrain:

I welcome yesterday’s parliamentary elections in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This historical event is another step towards the democratic path initiated last year by HM the King Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and endorsed overwhelmingly by the people of Bahrain.

I am particularly pleased that women have been enjoying their political rights and have been entitled to vote and stand as candidates. I further value the participation and role played by non-governmental organizations in monitoring the elections.

I hope that the newly elected Parliament will play a fundamental role in enacting national legislation in conformity with international human rights standards”.




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