NAC heralded new era of democracy, modernisation

Manama, Feb. 13 (BNA): Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi has offered his congratulations to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and to all Bahrainis on the 15th anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC). The minister said he and Bahraini citizens were particularly proud of the glorious occasion that marked an unprecedented national unanimity of 98.4 per cent about the Charter that heralded a new era of democracy, human rights and developments and helped build the state of institutions within a constitutional monarchy. Al Hammadi added that thanks to the clairvoyance of HM the King and to the unanimous endorsement of Bahrainis of the Charter, Bahrain was able to construct an outstanding model in consolidating the values of remarkable tolerance, constructive dialogue and peaceful co-existence. The Kingdom also became a pioneer in reinforcing democracy practices by separating between the three branches while cooperating together within the constitution and in boosting a new culture of constitutional action through the bicameral parliament. Economic and social rights, advanced political and social freedoms and greater civil society activities were also major features in the remarkable changes in Bahrain following the plebiscite on the Charter, the minister added. Al Hamamdi highlighted the new rights of women to vote and run in parliamentary and municipal elections and which they have exercised on the four occasions since 2002. He also stressed women’s ability to reach advanced executive, administrative, legislative and judicial positions. The minister said that the prerogatives of the bicameral parliament were reinforced in the 2012 amendments of the constitution and that the independence of the judiciary has been consolidated in ensuring justice and fairness. The establishment of the Constitutional Court and the National Audit Office were other outstanding achievements that have been highly commended, he added. The minister said that human rights and freedoms as well as equality, equal opportunities for all citizens without any form of discrimination, freedom of expression of the press in accordance with the constitution, the laws and the international conventions have been vastly reinforced following the massive approval of the Charter. Al Hammadi highlighted 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, the minister added. The minister said that internationally, Bahrain continued its richly rewarding cooperation with its sister states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) and the drive to move from cooperation to the Gulf union. Bahrain has also regularly reiterated its support to the just Arab and Islamic issues, considering them an integral part of its Arab dimension. The Kingdom has also invariably given shining examples of its full commitment to the values of tolerance, religious freedom, interfaith dialogue, intercultural exchanges and constructive relations within the international community in combating extremism and terrorism. "As it celebrates the anniversary of the Charter, Bahrain, thanks to the special cooperation between the legislative and executive branches as well as between the public and private sectors and civil society will keep moving forward towards more achievements despite the current financial challenges, 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 and their commitment to its unity and their rejection of all forms of sectarianism and foreign interference in their domestic affairs," the minister said.