The National Democratic Opposition Parties in Bahrain said the regime’s attempts to present a flowery image of the current political and economic situation in the country cannot stand in face of the bitter circumstances. The economic situation in the country is rapidly heading to an absolute totalitarian economy through the expropriation of citizens’ rights that are ensured in the constitution and international covenants. Public land is being swallowed more and more as corruption widens and public funds are looted. The Government is refusing to reveal State revenues and expenses in the Closing Accounts. Furthermore, the national budget is burdened by accumulating deficits and a crazy rise in national debt without any rational justifications.
On the political level, the Authority is continuing to naturalize thousands of foreigners in order to change the demographic situation of Bahrain. While on the other hand, citizenships of Bahraini citizens are revoked as discrimination on sectarian, ethnic and political grounds intensifies.
The National Democratic Opposition Parties stress that Bahrain needs an inclusive national agreement that is produced by genuine negotiations. The Authority’s attempts to cover over the sectarian polarization it had practiced over the 3 past years, by promoting for the upcoming elections, will not lead to civil peace and social stability.
The political process in Bahrain cannot be summarized in unfruitful parliamentary elections. The official statements that limit the people of Bahrain to the individuals who participate in the elections are irresponsible and demonstrate an obstacle in face of the future of political process in Bahrain. The problem in Bahrain lies in the fact that the Authority has absolute power and is not subjected to questioning.
The opposition and the people will not be silenced by the Authority’s oppressive decisions and threats against opposition leaders like Sheik Ali Salman, the Secretary-General of Al Wefaq, and his Political Assistant Khalil Almarzooq. The people of Bahrain will continue to fight for democracy, social justice and equal citizenship.
The National Democratic Opposition Parties stress that the regime’s claims of an ongoing dialogue with the opposition is sham and aims to pave a path for its PR campaigns to hide the truth in Bahrain. The meetings that were held to receive the political initiatives presented by the opposition do not come up to the level of dialogue or negotiations.
The regime’s unbalanced decisions in the political process demonstrated that it is not serious about an inclusive political solution. This has become very clear to the international community through the positions taken by the regime, recently.
The Bahraini Authority must end its stalling and political deception of the people. Yet, the Authority is refusing the initiatives presented by the opposition parties to exit the political crisis.
The Authority needs to urgently take steps towards reconciliation through a genuine implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry and the Universal Periodic Review.
The political problem in Bahrain requires radical reform in the legislative, judicial and executive authorities to obtain popular credibility and to halt the influence of the regional crisis. The people of Bahrain will continue their peaceful struggle to achieve sustainable stability.
Manama- 19th July 2014
National Democratic Opposition Parties
Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society (AlWefaq)
National Democratic Action Society (Waad)
The National Progressive Tribune Society (Taqadomi)
National Democratic Gathering Society (AlQawmi)
Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)
/149