Since March 2002, NDI has worked with Bahraini political leaders, civil society members and government officials from across the political spectrum to strengthen Bahraini political and civil society organizations and enhance their capacity to play a constructive and meaningful role in the country’s reforms. NDI has provided technical assistance to political society leaders to review relevant legislation, including the political societies’ law, and has hosted discussions on the implications of and opportunities in the King’s reform measures introduced by King Shaikh Hamad ibn Isa al Khalifah. NDI programs have also focused on strengthening the role of youth and providing training and support for women running for public office. Additionally, the Institute has carried out focus groups and interactive trainings covering topics such as communication skills, electoral campaign planning, strategic planning, voter outreach, advocacy strategy, media election coverage, domestic monitoring, candidate training and awareness campaigns. The overarching objective of NDI’s activities in Bahrain is to improve the prospects for a more inclusive and viable democratic process by strengthening the institution of parliament and fostering the civil participation of citizens.
Political Context
In 2002 the King of Bahrain introduced a new constitution, officially transforming Bahrain from an emirate to a constitutional monarchy, and called for the country’s first legislative elections in nearly three decades. The new constitution created a bicameral legislative body consisting of an elected chamber, the Nuwab Council, and an appointed consultative chamber, the Shura Council. The constitution also gave women the right to participate in Bahrain’s political processes both as voters and as candidates. The introduction of the constitution followed additional political and legal reforms Sheikh Hamad had made since ascending the throne in 1999, which freed political prisoners, repealed the emergency laws that had governed the country for almost 25 years, and permitted the formation of political societies, independent human rights groups, and trade unions.
Shaikh Hamid’s reforms have sparked vigorous discussion over the shape and direction of Bahrain’s democratic institutions. The 2001 National Action Charter, which outlined Sheikh Hamid’s plan for reform, was endorsed in a referendum by 98 percent of voters. While national sentiment strongly favored the reforms laid out in the National Action Charter, however, a number of Bahrainis were disappointed with the subsequent 2002 Constitution, especially with the King’s decision to unilaterally implement the constitution and not call for public consultation. Additionally, opposition leaders criticized the inadequate independence and power granted to the elected Nuwab Council relative to the appointed Shura Council.
As a result of disagreements over the new constitution and governmental reforms, several political societies boycotted the 2002 parliamentary elections. Despite their refusal to run in the elections, the boycotting political societies reaffirmed their commitment to participate in future municipal polls, and continued advocacy of the redrawing of electoral districts and changing of the composition and powers of the Shura Council.
In 2004, the Bahraini government presented a draft law on political societies. In an unprecedented move, political society leaders came together to voice opinions about the proposed law. With NDI assistance, the societies developed and proposed alternative legislation to the Nuwab Council for consideration, and this amended version was passed in July 2005. While the new law established the framework for and legalized political activity by the societies, many societies called for amendments to the law regarding the minimum age of members, the prohibition of political societies from having a religious or sectarian platform and limitations on societies’ abilities to accept funds or collaborate with foreign organizations. Despite their objections, even the boycotting societies joined other political societies in registering, as required under the new law.
On November 25, 2006, Bahrainis went to the polls for the third parliamentary and second municipal elections in three decades. At the conclusion of voting, an estimated 73 percent of eligible voters had elected representatives from across Bahrain’s political spectrum, bringing most major political societies into the Bahraini National Assembly, including those that had boycotted the 2002 elections. The 2006 elections were held under a general climate of fairness and the judges administering the elections went out of their way to reassure the public, candidates and political societies that they were willing and able to correct any complaints or irregularities, though accusations of electoral fraud led some political societies and civic groups to doubt the legitimacy of close races.
NDI Programming
Strengthening Parliament
Working in partnership with the National Assembly, NDI seeks to strengthen the capacity of members of parliament to exercise their roles and responsibilities. Particular emphasis is placed on assistance to members of the Nuwab Council, three-fourths of whom were newly elected in November 2006. NDI is also working to build and strengthen institutional structures within the parliament, including identifying staff development needs and developing standardized committee processes. Recent activities have included workshops on constituent relations, media outreach and legislative drafting.
Increasing Youth Political Participation
Although Bahraini youth under the age of 30 represent 65 percent of the population, they are not actively engaged in political processes. NDI has worked with political societies to develop their youth wings and with youth organizations to develop relationships across gender and sectarian lines. Through café discussions, citizen debates and training activities, hundreds of Bahraini youth have learned about the principles of democracy and advocacy techniques, and engaged in national dialogue with their peers, political leaders, and government officials. These events, conducted with local partners, have enabled youth to voice their opinions, concerns and values on national issues and assisted them in developing platforms and organizing their own events to raise the awareness of other youth about democratic processes in Bahrain. Youth organizations have since engaged in a number of activities related to political life, including monitoring the 2006 elections and successfully campaigning to lower the voting age.
Regional Initiatives
NDI has continued to engage Bahraini government officials, elected municipal councilors, women candidates, and individuals in regional activities. Currently, Bahraini municipal councilors and journalists are participating in NDI programs to support the formation of a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Association of Municipalities, build the capacity of councilors to carry out their roles and responsibilities as elected officials, and improve the ability of journalists to cover political developments in their respective countries.
Featured Stories
2002 Focus Group Report on the King’s Political Reform Project
2002 Parliamentary Elections Report
Contact Information
For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:
Washington, D.C.
Leigh Catherine Miles, Program Manager
(202) 728-6304
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