International Day of Democracy: Bahrain Between Dream and Reality
The world celebrates, on the fifteenth of September each year, the International Day of Democracy—an occasion to enshrine the values of justice, freedom, and equality, which form the cornerstone of any political system that respects the dignity of its people.
Democracy is not merely a word echoed in the halls of international politics; it is an inherent human right that reflects the popular will and establishes a system built on participation, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights.
On this day, the world stands before the mirror of democracy to examine the state of this right. Yet, Bahrain embodies a stark model of ongoing violations and disregard for these principles, where the democratic dream fades under an authoritarian political system that relentlessly suppresses its people.
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The Troubled Reality of Democracy in Bahrain
The Al Khalifa regime in Bahrain represents the complete antithesis of the principles celebrated on this global day. For decades, the Bahraini people have lived under a rule built on political arrogance and absolute power, denying every opportunity for free expression or the right to self-determination.
This ruling entity—sustained by fire and iron—sees true democracy as a threat to its very existence. It forcibly distances the people from any real participation in managing state affairs, deploying repressive tools steeped in exclusion and persecution.
Bahrainis have been deprived of their fundamental right to self-determination and to choose their representatives through ballot boxes. Attempts to reshape the political system toward justice and equality have been besieged. Peaceful protests, legitimate demands, and even international appeals have all been met with systematic repression—making the Al Khalifa regime a clear example of everything that contradicts democracy.
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Repression: The Regime’s Tool to Silence Free Voices
The repressive policies of the Khalifi regime have crossed all conceivable limits—from tightening the noose around political opponents, to imposing severe restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, to turning prisons into sites of torture for activists, human rights defenders, and innocent citizens.
These policies extend beyond physical imprisonment; they target thought itself, kill ambition, and confiscate hope for any possible change.
Any voice calling for democratic reforms is met with harsh punishment—whether through political pretexts or brutal security measures that crush the Bahraini spirit yearning for the simplest of rights.
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Hollow International Commitments
Bahrain, as a member of the United Nations and a signatory in theory to human rights treaties, does not respect these commitments in practice. Important agreements, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are blatantly violated, circumvented through arbitrary policies that mobilize every tool of authority to thwart popular aspirations.
What should have been safeguards to protect citizens have instead become empty texts—unenforceable under a political power that elevates its interests above those of its people.
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Responsibility of the International Community
One cannot speak of democracy in Bahrain without pointing to the international community’s neglect of the voice and suffering of the Bahraini people. Despite celebrating this day and publishing reports on the state of democracy, major world powers remain hesitant and ineffective regarding Bahrain.
The popular voices calling for self-determination need genuine international support—moving beyond token statements toward real political and diplomatic pressure that can corner this authoritarian regime and force it to halt its horrifying violations.
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The Dream of the Bahraini People
Despite all this, the Bahraini people refuse to let the flame of democracy be extinguished in their hearts. Over the years, Bahrain has shown that its people are capable of dreaming and aspiring. This nation, long engaged in struggle for freedom, still yearns for a just system that enshrines their political rights and ends decades of tyranny.
The path to democracy in Bahrain is long and arduous, but it is not impossible. The popular will shall not be defeated and will remain steadfast until it achieves its noble goals.
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A Call to Action
The International Day of Democracy must become a new starting point—for both the people of Bahrain and the international community—to shoulder their moral and political responsibilities.
It is essential to stand by the Bahraini people in their struggle and to work toward establishing a political system with a constitution drafted by the people themselves—one that elevates the values of freedom, justice, and equality.
Democracy is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right that must be accessible to every human being, including the people of Bahrain.
