NAC heralded new era of democracy

On the 15th anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC), Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi yesterday said NAC heralded a new era of democracy, human rights and developments.

“It helped build the state of institutions within a constitutional monarchy,” he said, adding that like Bahraini citizens, he is also proud of the glorious occasion that marked an unprecedented national unanimity of 98.4 per cent about the Charter.

On the occasion, Al Hammadi offered his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and all Bahrainis. 

“Economic and social rights, advanced political and social freedoms and greater civil society activities were also major features in Bahrain following the plebiscite on the Charter,” the Minister remarked.

Highlighting the new rights of women to vote and run in parliamentary and municipal elections, which they have exercised on the four occasions since 2002, Al Hammadi also stressed women’s ability to reach advanced executive, administrative, legislative and judicial positions.

The Minister remarked that human rights and equality for all citizens, freedom of expression of the press in accordance with the constitution, the laws and the international conventions had been vastly reinforced following the massive approval of the Charter.

He said the prerogatives of the bicameral parliament were reinforced in the 2012 amendments of the constitution. “The independence of the judiciary has been consolidated in ensuring justice and fairness,” he pointed out, “The establishment of the Constitutional Court and the National Audit Office were other outstanding achievements that have been highly commended.”

Al Hammadi also noted the “remarkable developments” in legal procedures and in protecting human rights and referred to the establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights, the Special Investigation Unit, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Commission for the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees. “The setting up of the High Authority for Information and Communication was also among the achievements heralded by the Charter.” 

“As Bahrain celebrates the anniversary of the NAC, thanks to the wisdom of HM the King and the advanced awareness of the citizens of Bahrain and their belief in the high interests of the nation. Their commitment to its unity and rejection of all forms of sectarianism and foreign interference in their domestic affairs is also commendable,” the Minister added.