Ayatollah qassim : “Constitutional Status in Bahrain 2”

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

“Constitutional Status in Bahrain 2”

Until today, the political relationship between the government and the people in Bahrain has not found the basis that gives it the religiously approved legitimacy, nor the legitimacy approved by the customary human-made observations, which is going back to the governance of the people in the first place.

Yes, this relationship took a degree of the second form since the ratification of the 1973 Constitution, until it was suspended and the National Assembly, which was based on it, was abolished. This period was the only exception, after which the relationship between the two parties has lost the basis of its legitimacy and stability of both kinds, considering what the scientific consideration of the requirement of the Charter leads to, and the opposite that was conducted in practice, such as establishing a unilateral constitution and transforming the Parliament into a two-chambered National Assembly, elected and appointed Shura, making it absolutely and finally subject to the will of the prince or the king.

To correct the course, there must be a just election law, agreed upon by the government and the opposition, a parliament elected by free popular elections, and an agreed upon constitution.

As for the Parliament’s need for people with expertise, it does not require that the Shura Council, if wanted, to be appointed by the king. It is sufficient to require that its candidates be experienced, and it is not required that its members have the right to vote on the laws and decisions of the Parliament.

The wasted popular rights are many and necessary and cannot bear postponement, nor wait for the readiness of the Parliament or the agreed constitution. No reason or interest require postponing these rights, including the release of political prisoners. Thus, restoring these rights does not depend on waiting for the Parliament and the constitution, which are necessary to determine the controls of the relationship between the people and the government, ward off shakings in the relationship between them, minimize differences as possible, build a stable relationship, and let everyone be devoted to the care of common national interests.

Restoring rights unceasingly, preparing for the election law, conducting parliamentary elections, and agreeing on the constitution are two parallel lines that must be started quickly, and one does not depend on the other.

Then, the direction on both sides should not be to fight back, but to establish rightness, implement justice, and build a homeland of progress, advancement and stability.

It is very clear that it is absolutely unacceptable that Bahrain, on the day of its first constitution and first parliament, be on the path of democracy while someone insists on unilateralism and the absence of effective participation and popular reference.

May God reform the homeland and its people and grant us guidance and good intentions, to work for the good of the country and the people.

Isa Ahmed Qassim

July 15, 2021