The constitutional petition which was partly organised by the Al-Wefaq society, which is of course one of the four parliamentary elections boycotting societies, and its main driver is creating waves within its board. There has been reports that up to 4 directors have resigned in protest, not just – it seems – against the changed policies of the society itself but also its succumbing to political and governmental pressure.
One of those people who did resign, Dr. Nizar Al-Baharna, spoke out at one political talks in Al-Jamri’s majlis a couple of nights ago, stating essentially that the current policy of the society is leading to confrontation and is unproductive, rather than be politically astute and try to find a median. He also commented on the sectarian nature of the petition, “whether we like it or not” meaning that as Al-Wefaq is the largest political society on the island, and as it caters mainly to the Shi’a and even though it is joined by 3 other societies, the membership of the other 3 societies are negligible when compared to those of Al-Wefaq.
Dr. Al-Baharna also accused the board of Al-Wefaq as still thinking with “old mentalities” meaning that they’re still see confrontation is the legitimate way to deal with the government, going back to the days of the “troubles,” ie, the 90’s where the State Security Law was still in effect and the wholesale imprisonment and torture was the norm.
Could this be a resurrection? Another political society to be formed? A more moderate and modern approach to politics by the Shi’a?
I certainly hope so. Confrontation will do no one any good. What we should concentrate on is nation building, not destroying. The very best that Al-Wefaq with its current hard-liners can hope for is the return to the State Security Law!
Comments
The beginning of the end of Al-Wefaq?
Hi Mahmoud,
We are not used to such tabloid speculation from u!! AlBaharna hasnt clarified his reason for resigning but he did express his support for the petition, and has taken many noble stances as an academic in the University of Bahrain against oppression, and even tried to stop the police invading the university to arrest some students once in the 90s.
Just to reassure everyone, as im certain everyone will be glad to hear. AlWefaq is AS STRONG as ever 🙂 And unlike our government, all the board of managers in Alwefaq are DIRECTLY elected by members. It is very well organised and highly efficient, [url]www.alwefaq.org[/url] and will soon be one of the biggest political societies, not only in Bahrain but the Gulf as a whole.
Good luck!
Re: The beginning of the end of Al-Wefaq?
No speculation at all. They’re crumbling! And their intelligensia have left and will leave in droves finally recognising the fact that their “popular” policies are nothing but rhetoric veiled under the guise of piousness.
It’s high time that you too have recognised that glaring fact. YOU, my dear friend is far too good to get dragged into their self-styled mire.
I would happily have you as my running mate in MDPP! 😉
The beginning of the end of Al-Wefaq?
If true this is wonderful news. Goodbye to the Islamofascists.
The beginning of the end of Al-Wefaq?
Al-Wefaq is suffering from the problem of class that all these extremist parties face. How do you reach a compromise between the two groups that they depend on: a disaffected radical poor and a pious, deeply conservative middle classes. An alliance based on platitudes and condemnation of today’s morality is the way most extremists play it, but once they’re faced with dealing with serious issues then the inherent divisions set in. In Al Wefaq’s case it looks like the middle class base is balking at the determination of Al-Wefaq’s leadership to go back to the days of the State Security Law.