The move follows a series of inspection visits by court representatives to all the political societies. The court has sent reminders to them to submit their financial statements for 2006-2007.

The head of political affairs office at the Ministry of Justice, Abdulla Majeed Al Shaikh, told the Tribune, “We have asked all the societies to submit their financial statements. Only two societies have complied with our reminders so far. The ministry had asked the societies to submit copies of their annual budget, financial expenditure and donations from abroad to the office so that transparency in their records can be ensured.”

According to the political societies law, a society cannot receive more than BD10,000 in foreign aid. Article 21 of the law has made it compulsory for all societies to obtain permission from the ministry to raise funds locally. Insiders say if the societies abide by the court reminder, they would be under its scanner and the court will supervise their financial affairs.

Established in 2002, the

Financial Audit Court

has been instrumental in highlighting irregularities in the government and the public sector.
The court has the right to suspend officials if found involved in irregularities. It can ask for any confidential information and documents from public organisations and ministries for investigation.

The court prepares annual reports on the performance of the ministries, public organisations and major companies in which the government has at least 50 per cent stake.

The court reports directly to His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and forwards the reports to the Cabinet and the Parliament for discussion.