■ Bahrain's National Charter Referendum Human Rights Watch Backgrounder February 2001

On February 14-15, Bahraini citizens will cast "yes" or "no" votes for a National Charter drafted late last year on the instructions of the country's ruler, or amir (prince), Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Charter, a lengthy document that most observers expect to be approved overwhelmingly, calls for the establishment of a two-chamber legislature, with one chamber chosen by popular vote, and for Shaikh Hamad to become the country's first king. Much of the National Charter, including the proposed elevation of the ruler's title, has excited little controversy. Support for the key proposal, a popularly elected assembly, has been strengthened by the Amir's February 5 announcement of an amnesty for more than 400 persons detained or facing charges for security-related offenses - a category that covers most of Bahrain's remaining political prisoners - and permission to return for some 108 persons who have been exiled. Equally significant is the relatively open debate and discussion about the ruler's initiatives in numerous meetings of social clubs and professional associations, and in the press. While this discussion has been dominated by pro-government voices, for the first time in a quarter of a century critics of the government have been able to publicly speak their minds -- and show up the next day and do it again.