The Charter is akin to the Business Plan of an Organisation that sets the pace for growth over a period of time, taking into account the aspirations of people, social and moral responsibility and most important of all, the contribution made to the economy and the Nation.
On such a score, Bahrain’s National Action Charter, which obtained the support of an overwhelming majority (98.4%) of the people , is a unique and realistic document . It set a new path for Bahrain’s political, economic and social future with Accountability, Transparency, Integrity and Good Governance as the core principles to serve the people and help them continuously achieve higher levels of progress and prosperity.
The Charter was a bold initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, supported by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It was their vision to revitalise the political and economic structure and implement policies and programmes that take into account the evolving needs of the times. It was in essence the People’s Charter, taking into account their welfare and goodwill.
The results have been gratifying. In terms of the Charter, Bahrain has established a bicameral legislature with open, free and fair elections held to constitute a well-structured Parliament. The Judiciary has become an independent entity, dispensing justice in consonance with internationally accepted principles of jurisprudence, fair trial and humanity, while the right to free expression is assured for every citizen.
The gesture of His Majesty in granting BD 1000 to each Bahraini family, marking the 10th anniversary of the Charter, highlights his genuine concern for the people . Such acts of magnanimity will always remain the hallmark of the Kingdom’s culture and heritage.
Bahrain has become a model for a modern State with practical and benevolent leadership. The Tenth Anniversary of the National Action Charter augurs well with the 40th Anniversary of Bahrain’s independence, which will be marked in December. We are confident that having chosen the right political path, Bahrain will continue to be the leading light among the most progressive nations in the world.