The 2001 constitutional referendum, the National Action Charter, is considered a milestone for political life in Bahrain. With 98.4% approval from citizens, the charter set the corner stone for changes all across the Bahraini society. Below are the views of Bahrainis on how they view the National Charter more than two decades later
“Many evident changes took place in Bahrain. It was needed for the time. Many of us gladly grew older following this referendum and hence enjoyed the freedoms that it brought upon the society” Mariam 32
“All the provisions of the charter are reflective of a modern state. Bahrain has gone a long way in promoting freedoms, despite the continuous negative behaviour of some towards the charter and changes in the country” Khalid 36
“The charter is truly a celebration for Bahrainis. Never before had Bahrain witnessed any proper form of political activity. The nineties were a troubled period and so were the eighties. It was the start of a new era” Abdullah 40
“There was a period of setback for what the charter stands for during the past decade. However, today we witness many changes in the executive authority that are reflective of the vision put forward by the charter” Manal 47
“It was an unprecedented step for Bahrain and the region. Generations of Bahrainis were waiting for such change.” Fatima 38
“It created a complete transformation from the period of the 1990s when the country had witnessed political turmoil. The King’s pardon of all detainees and endorsing such a referendum was a positive step in the right direction. We just hope that Bahrain witnesses more positive change” Ahmed 42
“It provides basic freedoms and liberties equally to both women and men. Many organisations were established that protect the rights of women, expat workers etc. The fruitful outcomes of the charter are being witnessed today in the way the Bahraini society has shaped” Aisha 34
“More work needs to be done in Bahrain in line with the National Charter. It was certainly a positive step, nonetheless we have a slow way of processing things in the executive and legislative branch” Salman 32
“Bahrain should continue in the path put forward by the National Charter. We do have our concerns and we have witnessed periods of unrest and turmoil on the political and economic level. Looking back at the charter, all I can say is that we should all work together in line with it and move forward” Sarah 38
“People have raised concerns about the level of freedoms in Bahrain, the work of the legislative branch and many more issues. We need to realise it is not a perfect situation, but the National Charter has created the main pillar for political and civil activity in Bahrain” Abdulrahman 30
“The openness of the Bahraini society and the level of freedoms we enjoy today is due to the charter. Change remains to be a long process and twenty-one years is not enough time to completely transform political life in the country” Ali 28
“We have witnessed great changes the past two decades. Women participated in political life as equals to men, they became minister, ambassadors, judges, parliament members and continue to hold many high posts in the executive authority. Our rights are protected as Bahraini women, thanks to the National Charter” Noora 38“It was a progressive and bold move, the National Charter provides a base for people to raise their political, social and economic grievances. Equality is one of the main tenets of the charter and our diverse culture was protected by this” Omar 32