Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society — written evidence to the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee (Bahrain inquiry), February 2013

Al Wefaq National Islamic Society is Bahrain's largest opposition party. Al Wefaq is characterized as the moderate opposition force, looking to reform the current system to create a genuine constitutional monarchy and a democratic civil state.

They call for the establishment of moderate democratic principles such as the separation of powers, free and fair elections, an elected Government and respect for human rights and the rule of law. This is in addition to an opposition to discrimination, corruption and tyranny, all of which damage Bahrain and its people.

Al Wefaq participated in parliamentary elections in both 2006 and 2010, but withdrew their MP's after the crackdown against peaceful demonstrators in February 2011.

Calls for democratic reform have existed in Bahrain since at least the 1920's and have remained constant since. Despite some promises of democratic changes, notably in the 70's and early 00's, Bahrain remains an absolute monarchy, ruled by one family.

In line with other movements in the Arab Spring, Bahrainis took to the streets on 14 February 2011 to demand democracy and respect for human rights. These calls were met with a wave of violent repression that is continuing until this day, almost two years later.

Al Wefaq remains committed to engaging in a political dialogue with the authorities in order to return to stability and end the current crisis. [… …] A fair and democratic constitutional monarchy, with respect for human rights, will be the only outcome to create long-term stability in Bahrain, which benefits all Bahrainis as well as its allies. We call upon the UK Government to seek this outcome through a renewed push for reform.