Lessons to be learnt from Bahrain poll

Now that the Bahraini people have spoken, there are lessons to be learnt by both the winning societies and those who lost in Saturday's national and municipal elections.

First, the government has to be credited for running a fair and transparent election, which was monitored by the Bahrainis themselves. Complaints about irregularities were at a minimum, similar to what is expected in any other election around the world even in developed countries.

Secondly, Al Wefaq society, the largest opposition group which won 18 seats, did the right thing by taking part in the process, despite calls for a boycott from some of its allies following the security sweep in which a number of people were arrested on charges of instigating violence and sabotage.

It is imperative to work within the system. Democracy will only evolve when people air their opinions peacefully and through the ballot box. Violence and trying to resort to ‘the street' to muscle the system will hinder development plans and create obstacles to the reform project initiated ten years ago by King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa.

Thirdly, the loss of two leading Islamist societies, Al Asalah and Al Menbar Al Islami, shows that Bahrainis cannot be taken for granted. Ideology is something of the past.

Those who seek the popular vote must show a credible commitment to work for the interests of the citizens, which include legislation to enhance the health services, upgrade the education system and contribute to the widening of the participation of the public in the political, social and economic development process.

Finally, it is a given that the Bahraini experience is young. It needs the genuine conviction of both the government and political societies to grow and take root. But, most importantly, it needs the conscious participation of the people to nurture it.