Although no legal framework exists for political parties, de facto parties from the former Communist Left to the Islamist Right sit in parliament in Bahrain and are known technically as Political Societies or Blocs. Unless a journalist or commentator is very specific with their use of langauge they are commonly referred to as Hizb, the Arabic word for party.

Bahrain’s parties:

Islamist

• Asalah
• Al Menbar
• Al Wefaq Islamic Action
• Islamic Bloc
• Islamic Action Party

Secular

• National Democratic Action
• Democratic Bloc
• Al Meethaq
• National Action Charter Society
• Al Menbar Progressive Society

See also

• Index of political parties to browse parties by name
• List of political parties to browse parties by country
• List of political parties by ideology to browse parties by name
• Membership of internationals to browse parties by membership of internationals