Bahrain Journalists' Association calls for early elections

Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) has called for early elections in May in a bid to heal rifts between journalists caused by the events that hit Bahrain last year. “The board has decided to call for early elections as part of efforts to bring journalists back together and boost unity,” Eisa Al Shayji, the BJA chairman, said. “Everybody is aware of the divergences and differences that have emerged in the country, like in many other sectors, and the journalists’ duty now is to heal wounds, reunite and strengthen their common grounds to defend their rights,” he said. The elections will allow journalists to cast ballots for the association chairman and board in a serene atmosphere, he said. “The BJA is grateful to the head of the International Federation of Journalists and to the head of the Arab Journalists Union for their support and efforts to bolster the unity of Bahrain journalists,” Al Shayji said. The elections will be held on May 3 as Bahrain celebrates World Press Freedom Day. “Candidates for the post of chairman and board members will have two weeks before Elections Day to submit their applications, in line with the association bylaws,” he said. The current board was elected in June 2011 for a two-year mandate. the