Al Wefaq boycott sparks ultimatum
By MOHAMMED AL A’ALI
Published: 16 December 2006
AL WEFAQ was given a three-day ultimatum last night to take its place in parliament in time to vote for key positions.
The 17-MP bloc boycotted yesterday’s opening of the new National Assembly by His Majesty King Hamad.
They also stayed away from what should have been parliament’s first session immediately after the ceremony, at which the posts of chairman and vice-chairmen should have been decided.
Some MPs wanted to go ahead with the session and elections since the majority of 23 MPs were present.
Al Wefaq boycott sparks ultimatum
By MOHAMMED AL A’ALI
Published: 16 December 2006
AL WEFAQ was given a three-day ultimatum last night to take its place in parliament in time to vote for key positions.
The 17-MP bloc boycotted yesterday’s opening of the new National Assembly by His Majesty King Hamad.
They also stayed away from what should have been parliament’s first session immediately after the ceremony, at which the posts of chairman and vice-chairmen should have been decided.
Some MPs wanted to go ahead with the session and elections since the majority of 23 MPs were present.
But incumbent chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani, along with the Al Menbar and Al Asala blocs, succeeded in suspending the session.
At first, the two blocs wanted to go ahead with the voting for chairman and two vice-chairmen, but realised that this would be unconstitutional.
Under the Constitution’s Articles 60 and 61, the three posts should be decided in the first full parliament session.
Mr Al Dhahrani told the Press after a closed-door meeting with MPs, that they had agreed to give Al Wefaq a three-day ultimatum.
“We could have easily got inside parliament and held the vote, but MPs took a noble stand against such a move, saying that Al Wefaq should be given a chance to attend,” he said.
“Al Wefaq has until 9.30am Tuesday to attend because that will be parliament’s first session, when posts will be decided regardless.”
“There are 23 MPs present here and it would have been easy for us to go inside and vote, but decisions like that would harm the coherence and stability of parliament.”
Mr Al Dhahrani said the nation’s interest must come first and without Al Wefaq, things would be difficult in the legislative house.
“It is all about serving our voters and fulfilling their needs and we want this establishment to continue doing so,” he said.
“We were very happy at Al Wefaq joining the elections, because with their participation, this establishment will have greater weight.
“The call for Al Wefaq’s participation came then in 2002, when parliament was first formed, but they decided to boycott it.
“Although we are appreciative of Al Wefaq’s participation, we didn’t like what has happened today.
“I hope that this doesn’t happen again, because it threatens the unity of not just this establishment, but the whole country.”
Incumbent second vice-chairman, Al Asala MP Shaikh Adel Al Maawada, said that what happened had really saddened him.
“I was really proud of Al Wefaq’s participation and initiative to have all MPs unite, regardless of their beliefs, yet what has happened today has really put me down,” he said.
“My bloc will meet them to negotiate things again, hoping that we can reach a deal before Tuesday.”
Independent opposition MP Dr Aziz Abul, who is backed by Al Wefaq and was present at the informal meeting, said that it would he a disaster if Al Wefaq is marginalised in parliament.
“I hope that Al Wefaq will be given a fair deal, because they are the biggest bloc, yet they are being pushed aside,” he said.
“It is a very smart move by our fellow MPs to suspend the session, because this will give more time for negotiations.”
Parliament will hold an extraordinary session on Thursday to appoint MPs to its five committees, who will then elect their own chairmen.
© Gulf Daily News
