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Islamist members of Parliament have rejected proposed legislation to legalize Bahraini political associations by turning them into registered political parties. There are more than a dozen political associations -- some also call themselves unions or societies -- that the government tolerates, but they have no legal standing. The draft legalization bill would require that all political parties adhere to constitutional laws, including the rejection of sectarian platforms. They also must agree not to accept foreign financing or donations and gain financing only from membership dues and local fund-raising activities.
The Bahraini government has reformed its political system in recent years, including allowing an elected lower house of Parliament. The new bill would give the government greater insight into foreign sources of support for both Shiite and Sunni political groups. It also would help them limit foreign influence and, at the same time, gain greater political control over the societies by giving them a stake in the government.
Political stability in Bahrain is key to the U.S. military presence and power projection in the region. Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and is a growing financial hub in the Gulf. Bahrain's population is predominately Shia, estimated at around 70 percent of the archipelago's 430,000 nationals. Despite the overwhelming Shiite majority, the government is controlled by a tiny Sunni faction.
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