The opposition parties in Bahrain said the motive behind the Justice Ministry’s lawsuit against Al Wefaq is to strangle political activism and refuse dialogue that could produce a political solution. The opposition parties spoke at a press conference on Monday to express solidarity and support with Al Wefaq National Islamic Society. Radhi Almusawi, from the Democratic Action Society, read out a statement in which the opposition parties called on the Authority to reverse the step and to end the attempt to take Al Wefaq to court, based on malicious and unrealistic accusations. (Read the statement here: http://goo.gl/XLWrQi )
Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary-General of Al Wefaq, said the general assemblies of Al Wefaq are held according to the law and the concerned official institutions are informed of the outcomes of these meetings.
Commenting on the Ministry’s statement in the press, Salman said, “In the internal elections Al Wefaq had held, the press received all the information and results. Every society has a board that oversees the election process and makes sure that members who desire to run for the elections must meet the conditions and requirements”. Salman mentioned that all nominations were accepted to run for the elections.
“However, no one was nominated for the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General positions. We extended the period of nomination but no one came forward and we can’t force any one to nominate themselves. I have expressed my encouragement for members to be nominated for the Secretary-General position several times”, he added.
Salman said the core problem lies in the fact that the regime is refusing to engage in a real dialogue with the opposition. He said the regime is refusing to give the opposition a written vision for a political settlement.
When asked about communications between the opposition and the regime, Salman said Al Wefaq has represented the opposition parties in communications over the past two weeks.
“The regime refused to accept the opposition’s demands for fair electoral districts, a parliament with full powers and an elected government, he added, “We want an inclusive solution for the crisis so it doesn’t explode again after a month or two. Once a humanitarian solution exists, the majority of the people will accept it”.
Salman mentioned that the regime only made a verbal initiative for a 20-20 split distribution for electoral districts and a government made up of 6 Sunnis, 6 from Al Khalifa and 6 Shiites, confirming that the opposition refused the deal and insisted on fair elections.
“We are very clear in our demands, we want the people to be the source of all powers. Nobody can convince the people that the current Authority is democratic”, he added.
Salman said the opposition would boycott the upcoming elections. “The majority of the people will boycott the elections. The regime can hold the elections and announce whatever results because nobody is monitoring. And by the way, we want to say that we would welcome the UN or any other institute to monitor Al Wefaq’s internal elections although it is already monitored by the Bahrain Transparency Society”.
Salman said the opposition is glad it has been able to save the country from slipping into a violent conflict and regional polarization.
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