Dammam: Seven candidates of the forthcoming Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EPCCI) board of directors election, most of whom are independents, pulled out of the race, the chamber electoral committee said.
The EPCCI is governed by 18 board members, 12 of them elected and six appointed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. EPCCI insiders said the candidates had anticipated their defeat because they were not supported by any party group.
These seven candidates are Dr Bassam Bodai, Saud Al Dossary, Abdul Raouf A. Al Matrood, Jamal Al Jasem, Mubarak Al Masaoud, Bandar Al Khaldi and Gazem Al Suwaidi .
There are now 46 left in the race, said Najeeb Al Saleh, head of the EPCCI electoral committee. He said more candidates are expected to drop out.
The six women candidates from the Women's Party namely are expected to continue and are hoping to get elected, banking on the support of about 700 businesswomen.
Campaigning is now in high gear with parties conducting meetings with members of the business communities. Polls will commence on February 18.
