MP: The way forward is top priority

The next session of Bahrain parliament, when it convenes, will primarily address the National Dialogue and the way forward, said a member of parliament. Abdulrahman bin Rashid Bumajid, Member of the Bahrain’s the house of Representatives , told the Bahrain News Agency, “the by-elections is a clear message to all that the nation intends to move forward. That there are 83 candidates at the by-elections is in itself a positive indicator.” Four have been elected unopposed, but there was competition earlier and that points to the participation, he said. The candidature of the 83 points to their plans to push the reforms project forward, said Bumajid. “When the 18 new members come to the parliament, it will be a clear victory for the nation,” he added. Not all of them will remain independent, though, he added. One already has the backing of Al Asala, many more will join the independents’ bloc, he added. He called it the success of democracy when the people come out in large numbers to defy a call to boycott. Turning to the issue of independents outnumbering the societies, he said, it would pose a challenge to the chair. “Earlier, the chair only had to speak to the four heads of Islamic societies and the handful of independents to break an impasse. This time it is different. The numbers to be consulted is shooting. However, it is hoped that those who enter parliament will see reason and comply.”