Who is who in Bahrain?

15:39, 04 March 2011 Friday

The political portrait is very colorfull in Bahrain where the latest uprisings from North African countries spread to. Although it is a small country, there are many political movements and parties in Bahrain.

By Metin Ünlü, World Bulletin / News Desk

When we look at Bahrain where there are many demands and demonstrations from the regime about new reforms, we see the the view below. The country is being governed by the El-Caliph family with constitutional monarchy since 1783.

There are two councils in the country. One is legislative council which is determined with election.(Parliament) And the other one is the Shura Council which is determined by the King.

The parties in the Parliament :
　
1 - Islamic National Consensus Association:

Ali Selman who is a Shiite and observed to the sherry provissions of the Islam is the President of the party. He deals with the different problems of the country. He is for the national unity. It was established on November 7th 2001. They are for a modern government structure where the public's demands are the basis of their existence. With an Islamic perspective, they believe in liberty, justice and equality princibles. They have 18 members in the counsil which has 40 in total.
　
2 - The Islamic Society of Nobility:

It was established on May 6th 2002. They are known for their predecessor ideas. They believe that the reclamation of the government society is only possible if they return to Sunnah of Holy Quran and Prophet. Ganem Buayneyn is the President of the Administrative Council. They attandent to the parliamentary and municipal elections in 2002 and 2006. They have 3 members in the Council.
　
3 - Islamic Forum Society (Muslim Brothers):

It is a sunni Islamic party. They are accepted as the first charity in Bahrain (established in 1941) and they adopted the ideas of the Muslim Brothers. They are known as the extension of the Reclamation Community and are also known for their different assistance activities. This Community had not being interested in politics up until 2002. They have 2 members in the Parliament.

The parties outside of the Parliament:

4 - Rights Movement (Movement for Democratic Rights):

It is a reformist movement. It is also the biggest dissident movement. The General Secretary of the movement is Hasan Muşeyme. It was established in November 11th 2005. The founding father of this movement used to be members of National Islamic Consensus Association. It is an effective association but it had experienced many devisions. They demand a state structure that is established on contemporary institutions.
　
5 - National Democratic Action Society:

It was establish in September 2009. The short name of them is "Vad", in their website they express that they want a country where justice and freedom is dominated. They emphasize on the equal citizenship. It is a socialist movement.
　
6 - Forward Democracy Platform:

It was established in 2001 by the former communists.
　
7 - The Pact (MISAK)

It was established by the rich businesman. It is not powerful in the public base.

8 - The Islamic Society of Amel (Amel):

They attempted to a rebellion in 1981, influenced by the Iranian Islamic revolution. Because of their loyality for Ayetullah Muhammed Şirazi who passed away in 2001, they are named as Şirazies. All of its members were relaesed in the amnesty in 2001.