The new “Coalition for a Republic,” made up of Al-Haq, Wafa and the Freedom movement, called for peaceful change through a decentralized movement of civil disobedience and resistance.
Consisting of groups much smaller than the main opposition Wefaq movement, the new coalition risks splitting the broader opposition movement that is demanding an elected government and a true constitutional monarchy, as well as better access to jobs within the system.
“This tripartite coalition adopts the choice of bringing down the existing system of governance in Bahrain and establishing a democratic republican system,” Al-Haq leader Hasan Mushaima told reporters at Pearl roundabout, where protesters are camped out.
No stranger to sporadic protests and rioting, Bahrain has been gripped by the worst unrest since the 1990s after a youth movement took to the streets last month, emboldened by revolutions that toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt. Thousands are still camped out in Manama’s Pearl roundabout, many demanding the ouster of the royal family. Bahrain’s Wefaq, which draws larger support than the new coalition and the youth movement, is more moderate. Wefaq has called only for the resignation of the government and a constitutional monarchy that cedes more power to the people.
Wefaq won 18 seats in Parliament in recent elections, but complains the elected lower house can be overruled by an upper house appointed by the king. Wefaq’s deputies quit after the protests began but the bloc has not joined in calling for a republic.
“The key thing is to create a constitutional assembly now and hold free elections. This will be the only serious move to end this political crisis,” said Khalil Marzooq, a Wefaq deputy.
The government has made a number of concessions to the opposition since unrest started, including a limited cabinet reshuffle and the release of political prisoners.
The Crown Prince has offered dialogue, but opposition groups have set conditions for talks that include the sacking of the cabinet. Shadi Hamid, analyst from the Brookings Center in Doha, said that the unrest in Bahrain would not end any time soon.
“This is really a reflection of the Bahraini government’s failure to deal with these protests in an effective manner,” he said, adding the government had not made any serious moves toward reforms or started dialogue with the opposition.
