Manama: July 14 — (BNA)– A research study conducted by the London-based Middle East Research and Studies Center affirmed that the Bahraini opposition Al-Wefaq society has lost too many of its supporters.

The results of study were published by the Bahraini Akhbar Al-Khaleej daily newspaper which revealed a rapid unforeseen transformation in the dynamics of local politics now two years after the incidents which took place in Bahrain in early 2011.

The study quoted a Bahraini citizen as saying that: we feel we had been cheated by Al-Wefaq in the name of democracy and change but what has happened is that we have become unemployed and untrustworthy to our Sunni friends. Al-Wefaq incited us to go on strikes and quit our jobs in the promise that this would bring pressure on the Government to hear our voices. However, Al-Wefaq does not listen to us at all. Anybody who criticizes Al-Wefaq may either be subjected to its threats or stigmatized as a traitor. Now, the people believe that Al-Wefaq is at its worst.

The study was conducted by 12 British researchers in the villages of Sitra, Al-Eker and Karzakan areas which once used to be Al-Wefaq’s traditional base of supporters. The study pointed out that Al-Wefaq had promoted itself as the harbinger of revolt in Bahrain and managed to obtain the support of 65% of citizens early at the beginning of the incidents. However, this support has now diminished to 32% only as a result of a series of frustrations of its supporters who have broken the barrier of silence at last and disavowed Al-Wefaq’s politicking.

(IY)

I.Y

BNA 0838 GMT 2013/07/14