Parties On?

May 2004 | Political Risk Analysis

The beginnings of democratisation have brought a political opening, and four important political 'societies' (parties are currently banned) are campaigning for more power for the elected representatives. Their push for further constitutional change highlights the tensions within the current system. Without further reforms within the year, such as the legalisation of political parties, there is a high risk that the democratisation process will lose credibility. Key risks are posed by the king's ability to accommodate those now pressing for further change, which would improve the inclusion of the currently under-represented Shi'a majority. If achieved, the legalisation of parties would be

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