Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali Abdulrahman has welcomed the recent Royal Decrees setting the date of the elections and demarcating electoral districts.
He said the decrees would meet the expectations of the Bahraini people for building a modern state, with security, stability, and prosperity prevailing and constitutional establishments playing a key role in ensuring justice and rule of the law, stressing that the development and progress marches in the kingdom will continue during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's prosperous era.
He pointed out that the continuation of the National Dialogue would bring about a breakthrough in the kingdom's political life, noting that dialogue, being a platform that engages all parties, is the best means to ensure a brighter future for Bahrain.
He lauded the key role of the successive meetings of the political leadership and senior officials with community leaders, Bahraini families and representatives of political associations in consolidating consultations and exchange of views on the political theme.
In this regard, he praised the far-sightedness of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, which, he said, was leading the country towards more development and helping it continue the democratic process at all levels.
He urged all sides to respond positively to the leadership's "sincere" initiatives aiming to overcome all crises and develop the democratic experience, noting that Bahrain is currently facing big and renewed challenges require its people and institutions to be more vigilant.
He emphasised that Bahrainis needed to be committed to national unity in order to achieve good and progress for their country, noting that the kingdom is blessed with an exemplary democratic approach based on the leaders' consultation with community leaders, and the people's selection of their representatives freely and transparently.
He added that Bahrain has been blessed with political leaders, who achieve the people's aspirations, stressing that the Bahraini leadership's statesmanship and sound visions have, throughout history, safeguarded the kingdom's security and stability and ensured prosperity for the citizens.
He underlined Bahrain's status as a "Kingdom of freedoms" and an "oasis of democracy", which, he explained, is reflected in the constitutional rights that guarantee freedoms of opinion and expression.
He called upon Bahraini youths to be aware of the existing challenges and the dangers posing a threat to the nation, and ignore calls that aim to undermine national cohesion and unity.
He affirmed the kingdom's principled stances in rejection of violence, extremism, terrorism and attempts to sow divide and sedition among segments of the society, stressing that the "wave" of violence and terrorism, currently hitting the region, aims to the unity of countries and spread chaos region-wide.