The Government
The present Amir of Bahrain HH Sheikh Isa bin Sulman Al Khalifa, has been its Head of State since December 16, 1961, and is architect of its modern socio-economic development. He has played a vital role in the country's renaissance, providing wise judgment and decisive leadership. The preset governmental infrastructure was defined by two royal decrees, issued on August 14, 1971, Bahrain's Independence Day, when Bahrain reaffirmed its status as a fully independent sovereign state. The first tackled the new political system, declaring the official title of the country as The State of Bahrain with the Amir as the Head of State.
The second decree dealt with the system of government, restructuring its cabinet under the chairmanship of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Sulman Al Khalifa. The constitution comprises 108 articles within five main sections chapters dealing with: (a) the nature of the State and system of government; (b) the basic constituents of Bahraini society such as the family, social security, scientific research etc. (c) the rights, duties, personal liberties, and freedom of thought etc. of the individual; (d) separation of powers; (e) general rules and a conclusion.
According to the constitution Bahrain is an Arab-Islamic independent sovereign state, its people are part of the Arab nation and its territory is part of the Arab world as a whole. The Head of State is chosen by hereditary accession and the system of government is a democratic one in which sovereignty is practiced by the people of Bahrain who are the source of all powers. Islam is the religion of the State and Sharia laws are a main source of legislation while Arabic is the official language. There is separation of powers into legislative authority, executive authority and judicial authority.
Amiri decree No. 10/1992, established a Consultative Coucil or Shura which has been strongly supported by HH Sheikh Isa since it embodies the principles stated in the preamble of the constitution regarding its forward looking nature. The Consultative Council itself is composed of 40 members and the speaker is elected by council members. It held its first session on January 16 1993 and serves for a four year term renewable by Amiri decree commencing from the date of its first convening. The council session commences, upon convocation by HH the Amir of the first Tuesday of the first week of October and continues until the end of May in the following year. It can also convene an emergency session upon the request of the Amir.
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