NAC fundamental to Bahrain’s reform

The government has issued a statement to mark the 15th Anniversary of Bahrain’s National Action Charter (NAC), which ushered in the wide-ranging reform programme of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and was overwhelmingly endorsed by 98.4pc of voters.

“Bahrain remains fully committed to delivering sustainable progress, through stable and meaningful democratic development – a journey that began 15 years ago with the signing of the NAC and which continues today,” the statement said.

It reiterated that the guiding principles laid down in the NAC remain fundamental to the Kingdom’s continuing development and reform.

“Bahrain has entered a new chapter of these reforms. The government has accelerated measures that continue to advance individual rights and justice, enhance accountability and increase participation in sustainable democratic development,” it further said.

“This continuing reform – which includes enhancing the powers of parliament and the country’s democratic institutions – encompasses collaborative development with numerous international partners and allies,” the statement added.

It said that the newly established institutions such as the independent Ombudsman, which is the first of its kind in the region, the National Institute for Human Rights as well as the Prisoners’ and Detainees’ Rights Commission have enhanced independent oversight, winning international awards in the process. 

“The pace of progress cannot be slowed and will not be held back by groupings seeking to reject all attempts at political advance in favour of narrow, short-term interests,” the statement said.

It also pointed out how a clear majority of Bahrainis voted in favour of progress by electing a moderate majority of independent MPs in the recent parliamentary polls, with a clear mandate to drive positive development by making use of parliament’s significantly increased legislative powers and oversight.

“Bahrain’s priority remains the delivery of further reform through stable and meaningful democratic development and the strengthening of the Kingdom’s constitution,” it added.