Three opposition groups announced on Tuesday to form a coalition group that aims to topple the monarchy and establish a republic in Bahrain

Three opposition groups announced on Tuesday to form a coalition group that aims to topple the monarchy and establish a republic in Bahrain.

The new group "Coalition for a Bahraini Republic" includes Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy, Al Wafa Islamic Society and London-based Bahrain Freedom movement. The group said in a statement that "the coalition believes that the main demand of the popular revolution is the downfall of the current oppressive regime and the establishment of a democratic republic that expresses the desires of the people."

Other Bahraini opposition groups, including the main Shia Wefaq group, have stopped short of demanding outright regime change, instead calling for major reforms including an elected parliament "with full legislative powers".

Leading opposition figure Shaikh Hassan Mushaima, who returned last month from Britain following a royal pardon, is a key member to lead the movement. He is the secretary-general of the Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy.

"We are different in the demands, but it doesn't mean we can't cooperate," Mashaima told AFP news agency. "I believe that ... there is not much difference between a constitutional monarchy like in Holland or in Britain, there is not much difference between that and a republic."

Wave of protests has swept across Bahrain in the past several weeks.
Protestors continued their demand for the resignation of the entire cabinet that should be replaced by the individuals elected by citizens.