In a statement issued marking the International Day of Democracy (September 15), which is celebrated this year by the Inter-Parliamentary Union under the theme “Dialogue and Inclusiveness-Central to Democracy”, the two councils expressed constant keenness to further solidify ties and lay bridges of communication with citizens for a more prosperous future based on unity, justice, freedom, equality, citizenship, human rights and respect of the law.
They stressed that the national dialogue based on consensus and inclusiveness is not only a civilizational value, human demand and international democratic right but also one of the Bahraini solid fundamentals stemming from the Arab and Islamic values.
Both councils asserted that reform and development are the bases of the democratic process which show vitality and continuous interaction to achieve all aspirations.
They also affirmed continuous follow-up on the government’s implementation of the visions of the National Consensus Dialogue held in 2011 with the participation of all social components.
They emphasized that continuity of the democratic national dialogue between all constitutional institutions and political powers opens new horizons for the reform project to fast-track comprehensive development.
They hailed the constitutional amendments which granted the Representatives Council more prerogatives to assume its auditing and legislative role, describing them as a clear assertion of a wider scope of prerogatives to be enjoyed by the elected council.
They called on political societies which took a negative stand despite the reforms steps and national initiatives to engage in the national dialogue without preset conditions or incitement of violence so as to reach a political solution, national reconciliation and bring about more achievements for the posterity.
They also lauded His Majesty the King’s call on all Bahrainis to respect the law, promote the principles of co-existence and tolerance, rally ranks and place the national interest above anything else.
They urged all parties to assume their responsibilities and boost the concepts of national unity and democracy and promote values of tolerance and loyalty.