13/02/2015
14 February’s Fourth Anniversary: People are Determined for Democracy
13 February 2015
Why did the Bahraini revolution happen?
The Al Khalifa ruling regime transgressed against their promise to change the country from a tribal rulership to a democratic state. The current ruler, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa imposed a constitution he drafted, allowing him to hoard all powers after the acceptance of the National Action Charter (NAC).
NAC was originally intended to be the transformative charter. It was an exploitation of the nation’s votes for change, with the regime using the votes to legitimise its dictatorship and appropriate all powers. It was intended to reinstate the repealed 1973 constitution and return the people’s power to govern. During this process, attempts by the people to join the Bahraini Parliament and make changes internally were unfruitful.
What did the revolution achieve?
The first achievement is that the revolution starkly portrayed to the world the lack of legitimacy of the current dictatorial and tribal rule, and that the majority of the population want complete and root-level change.
The second achievement is that the people of Bahrain, with the pains they have experienced and the support afforded to the regime by some Western governments, still wholeheartedly believe in victory through solidarity, dignity, and persistence.
The third achievement is that the people of Bahrain were able to bring forward an example to the world of a peaceful resistance which has continued consistently for the last four years. This illustrates the Bahraini people’s intention of realising this national project, care for Bahrain’s future, and goodwill with anybody that does not antagonise their rights.
Finally, the fourth achievement is that the people of Bahrain managed to defeat the regime politically, on the platform of human rights, in the media, and on the diplomatic level. They displayed a project of “One man one vote”, taking Bahrain’s system from a tribal singular rulership to a people’s government with equal rights. The events that unfolded after the commencement of the revolution have embarrassed the regime and revealed its true makeup.
What is the future of the Bahraini revolution?
The 14 February revolution began 4 years ago with clear objectives, and it cannot succumb to alterations unless the objectives are realised. The people are prepared to peacefully give everything for a better future for Bahrain. The people are unresponsive to any compromise on its right. It is for the international community to understand that its strategic interests for the long-term are with the people of Bahrain and not with the Al Khalifa regime.
The people of Bahrain came out on 14 February determined to topple the dictatorship. The Al Khalifa regime’s current form is that of tribalism and terrorism. It is time for the people of Bahrain to govern.
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