No one disputes that our small society is suffering from acute sectarian and factional polarization, and an almost systematic social fragmentation that has increased in severity lately. All this is the result of contradicting political factors within the constitution and democratic system, and many policies that encourage sectarianism and factionalism including political quotas that have no connection with the constitution, citizenry, social justice and equal opportunity.

There are also regional circumstances that played an effective role in reaching these regretful sectarian and factional polarizations, especially after the American occupation of Iraq, then the use of the sectarian factor by the new colonial countries in the region in order to impose their influence, apart from the cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The domestic and foreign factors still exist, and cast their dark shadows on the local political chaos, and are dominated by strange sectarian and factional groups that raise religious and regressive backward slogans, and use heinous hateful addresses, which indicates what is coming will be worse with regards to the issue of social integration and internal cohesiveness, unless the matter is rectified to stop the sectarian and factional polarizations.

Sectarian groups and elements have started preparing for the upcoming elections with sectarianism, and it is a battle whose results are known in advance, because it has nothing to do with citizens' problems or livelihood issues. This in addition to contradicting the civil democratic system that was laid out by the constitution, which is something that requires quick action at all levels to stop the systemic destruction of the national fabric and enhance the status of the constitutional citizenry, then project the unifying national identity. How to do this?

The responsibility is at the authority's level of changing the current status quo, confront sectarianism and stop the society's fragmentation. This is the responsibility of the political authority, represented by the government, whose is to put forth programs and policies that take the society to a better situation.

The start should be with a political democratic reform process that starts from organizing political action and declaring its political and national programs, and ban any group or individuals who raise religious, sectarian or racist slogans. Then, adopt a new election system that does not stop at the number of votes only - rather it goes past it to the way constituencies are distributed now on sectarian and factional bases. There should be relative political lists that compete in presenting national political programs that tackle urgent society issues and deal with its common problems like institutional political corruption, unemployment, housing, education, environment, inflation, high prices and others.

Of course, the government's responsibility does not mean relieving national, democratic and progressive groups and individuals from their responsibility, as they are responsible for increasing public awareness. It should confront sectarian, factional and racist addresses without appeasement of sectarian, factional and racist groups, or siding with them in exchange of instant political gains that have no value compared with their harm to the country.

The general situation cannot wait - the boiling point is too high in the region and the sectarian slogan is raised high. As for the domestic situation, it is not all that good, because it is easy for any sectarian group to play with people's emotions and lead them astray, then use them in their heinous sectarian battle. So, it is a must to start the political-democratic reform process, expand public freedoms and protect them, otherwise we should expect more political chaos and social fragmentation. Then any official talk about the development and social advancement means nothing! - Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida

By Dr Bader Al-Daihani