29th Jan, 2013 –
Who called for National Dialogue in early 2011?
The Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad made the first call for dialogue in early February 2011, following the first clearance of the pearl roundabout. The opposition coalition led by Al Wefaq society later refused the Crown Prince’s dialogue by applying preconditions hence leading to the March 13 events and the National Safety Status declared by the State.
The July 2011 National Dialogue was called for by HM the King and headed by the Parliament Chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. Al Wefaq withdrew from the dialogue and Waad the liberal front of the opposition whose Secretary General was sentenced to 5 years in prison continued in the dialogue.
Why was there a need for National Dialogue?
The national dialogue was called for, following the lift of the National Safety Status ‘emergency status’. The country was divided, the future of politics was unknown and the sectarianism was on the rise as a result of several incidents that took place during that period. The economy was going through a rough patch, the level of tourism was very low, and hence the National dialogue was a step forward back then. People from the opposition, ministers and loyalists came together under one roof and you could see them interacting despite their rivalry
What were the circumstances in Bahrain at that time?
The King had just lifted the National Safety Status. The country was divided into a Sunni loyalist group and a Shia opposition. Violence was on the streets in villages, protesters were involved in weekly clashes with policemen. Tensions were on the rise between the two main sects of the society and hence the dialogue initiative cam at a significant timing to avoid further divisions.
Who participated in the dialogue?
More than 300 representatives of NGOs, including political societies, representatives of the government, members of the Shura Council, Parliament, leading community figures, religious scholars and businessmen.
What did people hope to achieve?
People hoped to achieve certain changes in the political and social ambience in the country. The opposition insisted on an elected government, a matter that did not reach to consensus among the participants at the dialogue. The recommendations were later raised to the King, some of them were passed as laws and others that require legislations were discussed in the parliament and Shura council.
What was discussed?
The Dialogue was divided into four themes, political, economic, social and human rights. Any topic relative to the Bahraini society was openly raised including the election of a cabinet. Other main topics were changes to the election process, setting a criteria to the membership of Shura council ‘appointed by the King’, Appointment and questioning of ministers, etc.
Why was the dialogue perceived to have failed?
The withdrawal of Al Wefaq that represented 18 seats in the previous parliament was perceived as a failure since the opposition sees them as the main representatives of the opposing political constituencies.
What led to Al-Wefaq pulling out? How did the opposition regard dialogue?
MP Jassim Al Saeedi openly called Bahraini Shias as traitors and non-believers in one of the political sessions, which led Al Wefaq to withdrawal. The society also emphasized on its poor representation among the high number of participants and their believe that the government does not have the good will to change and compromise.
What did loyalist Sunnis think about the dialogue?
Back then some loyalist Sunnis believed that the dialogue was a matter of publicity; others perceived it as a measure for reconciliation rather than a fruitful dialogue that can bring about change. Many refused the idea of a dialogue with the opposition.
What was the point in dialogue if certain issues weren’t up for discussion?
There were no limitations or a ceiling to any topic of discussion.
What was actually achieved?
Many recommendations were implemented through legislations and constitutional amendments.
http://www.nd.bh/en/index.php/followup/committee-news/item/117-bahrain-takes-the-next-step-toward-implementing-recommendations-of-the-national-dialogue
What changes were made to the constitution as a result of the dialogue?
http://www.nd.bh/en/index.php
Why didn’t dialogue resume in 2012?
Refusal of the opposition to engage in a dialogue while policemen clash with protesters and their emphasis on the idea of an elected government which would never be provided under such circumstances following the unrest.
What preconditions did different parties make for a return to dialogue?
The main precondition was replacing the PM and the whole cabinet with an elected government. Another main issue was naturalization.
What hopes are there for dialogue in 2013?
Reaching to a common understanding of promoting democracy at a faster pace, enhancing the standard of living and raising the economy through creating more job opportunities.
What meaningful concessions can we expect the parties to make?
Both the leadership and the opposition have so far shown good intentions towards dialogue. The government however keeps on emphasizing that street violence should stop if the opposition is serious about engaging in a dialogue.
Who will be the key sides in 2013’s dialogue?
The coalition of loyalist societies led by the National Unity Assembly, presumably Al Wefaq and the coalition of opposition societies and the government.