(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Bahrain has been gripped by a three-week uprising, and smaller rallies for greater political freedoms have taken place in Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
There are no official opposition groups in the Emirates, which is a union of seven sheikdoms. Activists who advocate change have until now been largely idle during the region’s unprecedented political unrest.
The petition, signed by 130 proreform supporters, was a sign that Emiratis, too, are now acting on the inspiration by the Egyptian and Tunisian revolts. It demands changes in the ruling system, giving them a say in the running of the country and a share in its oil wealth.
The petitioners demanded “a comprehensive reform of the parliamentary system’’ and “free elections for all citizens.’’
The Emirates’ current parliament is based in Abu Dhabi and serves as an advisory body. Its 40 members are either directly appointed by the ruling sheiks or elected by citizens hand-picked by the rulers to vote.
Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan family controls the Emirates’ vast oil riches and holds most government positions.
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