Strength in numbers

The decision of two major parliamentary blocs to join forces and forge an alliance is testimony to the new level of sophistication that many deputies have achieved.

This important move will see representatives of the 35-member National Parliamentary Alliance, which includes Al Watan and Islamic Centrist Party blocs, combine forces with Al Mubadara group to form the biggest parliamentary bloc yet, comprising 62 deputies.

These deputies come together under one programme; they do not forge this alliance based on personal reasons, and this is really an important development for the country.

The people’s representatives that come together in this larger grouping should be ready and able to affect national policies through plans and programmes for reform, and even act, eventually, as a shadow government.

His Majesty King Abdullah has been calling for the formation of large political parties established on coherent and concrete platforms to govern parliamentary life in the Kingdom.

It is important that such blocs agree on solutions to the economic woes facing the country and push forward the democratisation process.

The country needs parliamentary groupings that have clear, common, ideas about how to solve the myriad political, economic and social challenges facing it.

Citizens have had enough of empty slogans. They need practical and feasible policies and programmes that put the country on the road to development and modernity.

A good beginning is being witnessed now in the Lower House.

What lies ahead, however, is bound to be more challenging, and only determination to serve their country and people will help deputies succeed.