Sheikh Ali Al Salman, leader of the main opposition party Al Wefaq, today criticized the planned 24th September by-election in Bahrain and called for democracy in Bahrain. Speaking at an opposition rally in the town of Tubli entitled “The Will of The People”, Sheikh Ali called on the people of Bahrain to switch off their lights on Friday evening for thirty minutes to express “mourning for democracy in Bahrain”.
Please see full summary of speech below:
Sheikh Ali Al Salman, the Leader of the main opposition party Al Wefaq, began his speech by expressing his wish to clarify what he means when he calls for democracy in Bahrain. He said the type of democracy needed is that of Westminster, USA and Switzerland. Not the ‘democracy’ as expressed by Colonel Gaddafi in Libya, Ali Saleh in Yemen, Saddam Hussein in Iraq or Mubarak in Egypt.
He was speaking on the occasion of the by-election due to take place on September 24th.
After his rejection of the illegitimate election Sheikh Ali addressed the divide that exists in Bahrain. He said, that when he talks of a majority and minority this is not in religious terms. The real divide in Bahrain is between a political majority and a political minority. Bahrain is divided into two camps; those who support democracy and those who support dictatorship.
And more importantly those actively seeking democracy and those who want to sustain dictatorship. He said there is no sectarian division in the camp of the opposition. Sunni’s and Shi’ites alike raise the flag of democracy.
Sheikh Ali made it clear that he has no sensitivity with any single individual in Bahrain. All complaints are distinctly political in nature but the idea of a Prime Minister who has been in power for over 40 years is extraordinary. He believes that any Prime Minister must serve for a maximum of 8 years.
The speech then moved onto the nature of the opposition. He made it absolutely clear that the Bahraini opposition supports all struggles of oppressed people. From Egypt, to Tunisia, to Yemen and to Syria, the opposition supports everyone fighting for freedom.
He said that the objectives of the people date back to the 1950’s and are based on turning Bahrain into a true democratic nation where all people stand equal before the law. He outlined the demands of the opposition; a government elected by the people, a parliament with full authority, fair electoral districts, independent judiciary and security for all.
Sheikh Ali stressed that the people want to achieve change through peaceful means but they will not allow themselves to be cheated by fake dialogue.
He was very clear that, whilst giving respect to other nations, Bahrain stands out amongst Arab countries by having such a large percentage of people taking part in the political process. More than 50 per cent of people are seeking change and are taking part in activities in one form or another.
The speaker argued that the current parliament no longer has the right to call itself representative of the people, following the withdrawal of the 18 out of 40 MP’s from Al Wefaq. He said that the authorities are trying desperately to encourage Shi’ite figures to take part in the election.
He cited the example of Dr Hassan Al-Aali, the General Secretary of the Democratic Nationalist Society, who was offered 150,000 Dinars (400,00 Dollars) and the promise of victory if he stood for election in the Naim district of Manama.
He criticized the veiled threats that have appeared in the local media against those who do not take part in the election. He expressed his belief that people are free to decide to take part or to not take part in this election.
Sheikh Ali said the people of Bahrain are not slaves. They should not be forced into voting and the estimates of Al Wefaq suggest that about 85 per cent of people will decide to not take part in this election. The people are even more determined than the political party’s to boycott, but he does not believe anyone should be forced not to vote either.
Having just returned from a visit to Iraq, Sheikh Ali relayed his findings. He said that he had visited all Grand Ayatollahs’, Sunni’s, Shi’ites and Kurds and all had showed understanding for the goal of making Bahrain a true democratic nation.
Speaking just a day after President Obama had discussed Bahrain at The United Nations General Assembly, Sheikh Ali wished to welcome the comments of the US President. President Obama had demanded a true dialogue for Bahrain leading to democracy and this is a cause he shares.
On the subject of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ali said he has no issue with a new Prime Minister being a Sunni and said if he were supported by the will of the people, he himself would vote for such a candidate. He reiterated that Al Wefaq would not stand a candidate for this position.
The people of Bahrain must elect the right person for this role regardless of religious persuasion and this Government must be held accountable to the Parliament.
Nearing the end of his speech, Sheikh Ali repeated that the goal of all opposition groups is a united and democratic Bahrain where all are equal before the law. The opposition does not want a sectarian Bahrain.
To conclude, Sheikh Ali said this by-election represents a sad day and it is a day of mourning for democracy. He called on all people to show their rejection of the vote by switching off all lights on Friday evening between 9pm and 9.30pm.
