MANAMA, 2 May 2006 — Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, Bahrain’s largest opposition party, announced yesterday that it would take part in parliamentary elections scheduled for October, ending a four-year boycott.
The decision by the group came as no surprise to local observers and is expected to be followed by a similar decision from the second largest opposition group Waad (Promise).
Al-Wefaq, Waad, the Nationalist Assembly and the Islamic Action Society boycotted the 2002 parliamentary election and do not recognize the 2002 constitution.
They claim that the legislative branch of the government is not adequately independent and that elected members of Parliament do not have enough powers.
The four groups had called for readopting the 1973 constitution that was suspended in 1975 after the institution of a security decree.
Key hard-line figures in Al-Wefaq, including then Vice chairman Hassan Mushima and board member Abduljaleel Al-Singace, had resigned their posts in the society in mid-October in protest over moves to end the boycott. Officials in Al-Wefaq believe they could secure at least 14 out of the 40 elected seats in Parliament, the National Assembly.
