Evolution Of Bahrain: Constitutional Monarchy Established

Bahrain has been a constitutional monarchy since 2002, when the country's leader, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, changed his title from emir to king. The country's first constitution was enacted in 1973, but the National Assembly was disbanded in 1975 when it attempted to remove the Amir from power. Bahrain has been ruled by the Al Khalifa family since 1783.

Bahrain's constitutional monarchy was established in 2002

Bahrain has been a constitutional monarchy since 2002, when King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa officially proclaimed himself king. This came after a referendum in February 2001, which saw the Bahraini people vote overwhelmingly in favour of the National Action Charter, which was adopted on 14 February 2002. This charter paved the way for national elections and for Bahrain to become a constitutional monarchy.

The country's first constitution was promulgated in 1973, two years after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. However, the Amir disbanded the National Assembly in 1975 when it attempted to end the rule of the Al Khalifa family, who have ruled Bahrain since 1783. The Amir removed all sections dealing with legislative power from the constitution and continued to rule mainly unchallenged.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa replaced his father as ruler in 1999 and constituted a committee to transform Bahrain into a constitutional monarchy. He instituted wide-ranging political reforms, including granting women the right to vote, freeing all political prisoners, and holding parliamentary elections. The 2002 Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain recognises the country's Islamic faith by placing Islamic Shariah law as its principal source for legislation. It also guarantees freedom of religion, expression, and the press.

The Bahraini monarchy is hereditary and passed from father to eldest son. The King maintains broad powers under the Constitution, including the ability to ratify constitutional amendments, propose legislation, and veto laws. He is the Head of State and exercises his power through his ministers, with the National Assembly holding legislative powers.

The country's first constitution was ratified in 1973

Bahrain has had two constitutions in its modern history. The country's first constitution was ratified in 1973, two years after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. On 16 December 1971, the day Bahrain formally became independent, Shaykh Isa ibn Salman announced that the country would have a constitutional form of government.

In 1972, Shaykh Isa issued a decree providing for the election of a Constituent Assembly to draft and ratify a constitution. The assembly was to consist of 22 elected delegates, plus 12 members of the Council of Ministers and eight members directly appointed by the emir. The election, held in December 1972, was the first national election in Bahrain's history. The electorate was restricted to native-born male citizens aged 20 and older.

The relative openness of political debate permitted during the election campaign encouraged individuals dissatisfied with the lack of democratic rights to demand more civil liberties. Several women's groups also organised to protest the exclusion of women from the franchise. However, their petition to the emir was unsuccessful.

The Constituent Assembly was in session during most of 1973, drafting the constitution. It was enacted by emiri decree in December 1973 and contained 108 articles. It provided for an advisory legislative body, the National Assembly, consisting of 30 members elected for four-year terms, plus all the members of the Council of Ministers whose terms were not fixed, as ex officio members. The assembly was authorised to give advice and consent to laws proposed by the Council of Ministers, and to question individual ministers about policies. However, it was not empowered to initiate or enact legislation. The constitution also stipulated that the emir could dissolve the assembly at his discretion, provided he made public the grounds for doing so.

The 1973 Bahraini general election was the only election held under the 1973 Constitution. The emir dissolved the National Assembly in August 1975, citing its inability to cooperate with the government. The country was then governed under emergency laws until 2002.

The Al Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since 1783

The Al Khalifa family is a Sunni Muslim clan that was originally based in Kuwait. They migrated to Zubarah in modern-day Qatar before settling in Bahrain in the early 1700s. In 1783, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, also known as Shaikh Ahmed bin Khalifa or Ahmed ibn Muhammad ibn Khalifa, conquered Bahrain, taking control from the Persians. He ruled Bahrain as hakim until 1796, although he was based in Zubarah and only spent summers in Bahrain.

After Shaikh Ahmed's death, his sons, Salman and Abdulla, co-ruled Bahrain as feudal estates, imposing taxes on the indigenous population. Salman ruled from Bahrain Island, while Abdulla ruled from Muharraq Island, and the two branches of the family, Al-Salman and Al-Abdulla, were often in conflict. This internal strife continued until 1869, when British forces intervened and appointed Shaikh Isa bin Ali, a descendant of Salman, as ruler.

Shaikh Isa's reign brought peace and stability to Bahrain, and he is credited with leading the country into the oil era. He abdicated in 1923 in favour of his son, Shaikh Hamad, who worked closely with the British. Shaikh Hamad died in 1942 and was succeeded by Shaikh Salman, who began the process of gaining independence from the British. Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Shaikh Salman's son, became the ruler in 1961 and led the country to full independence in 1971.

Bahrain's first constitution was promulgated in 1973, creating an advisory legislative body, the National Assembly, and a Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the Amir. However, the National Assembly was disbanded in 1975 when it attempted to remove the Al Khalifa family from power. Bahrain continued to be governed under emergency laws until 2002.

In 1999, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa replaced his father, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, as the ruler of Bahrain. Shaikh Hamad instituted significant political reforms, including the transformation of Bahrain into a constitutional monarchy. He held a referendum in 2001, which overwhelmingly supported the National Action Charter, paving the way for national elections and a constitutional monarchy. On 14 February 2002, Shaikh Hamad officially proclaimed Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and himself as King.

Since becoming a constitutional monarchy, Bahrain has continued to face demands for increased democratization and protests calling for a more representative government. The Al Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain for over 200 years, navigating various political and social challenges while maintaining their position as the country's ruling dynasty.

The country gained independence from the UK in 1971

Bahrain gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, with Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa as its ruler. In 1972, Isa issued a decree for the election of a Constituent Assembly to draft and ratify a constitution. The Constituent Assembly consisted of 22 elected delegates, 12 members of the Council of Ministers, and 8 members directly appointed by the Emir. All candidates ran as independents.

The draft constitution enshrined the hereditary leadership of the Al Khalifa family and provided for a unicameral legislature (the National Assembly) consisting of 44 members, 30 elected by native-born male citizens, and 14 royally appointed government ministers. The constitution was enacted by decree in December 1973.

A general election was also held in December 1973, the only election held under the 1973 Constitution. Two distinct political blocs formed among the 30 elected members: the "People's Bloc" and the "Religious Bloc". The National Assembly found itself without legislative powers, functioning more like a public forum where petitions were heard and government legislation and policies were presented, debated, and criticised.

In 1974, a proposed security law sparked a political crisis between certain members of the Assembly and the government. The security laws would have granted state authorities extraordinary powers to arrest and detain suspects deemed to threaten national security. A bloc formed within the National Assembly in opposition to the security laws and the manner in which the government intended to impose them. The crisis culminated in August 1975 when Isa dissolved the National Assembly, and the country continued to be governed under emergency laws until 2002.

The current king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has led since 1999

The current king of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has led the country since 1999. He is the son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the previous and first emir of Bahrain, and a member of the Al Khalifa family, which has ruled Bahrain since 1783.

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was born on 28 January 1950 in Riffa, Bahrain, and attended school in Bahrain and the UK. He underwent military training with the British Army and served in the Bahrain National Guard and Bahrain Defence Force, rising to the rank of commander-in-chief. He also held various governmental roles, including Minister of State for Defence, before becoming king.

Upon taking power in 1999, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa focused on achieving stability in Bahrain, which had been riddled with tensions following the 1990s uprising. He instituted a series of political reforms, including granting women the right to vote, releasing all political prisoners, and holding parliamentary elections.

In 2002, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and himself as king. He also promulgated a new constitution, which provided for a bicameral legislature with an elected lower house and an appointed upper house. The new constitution gave the king wide-ranging powers, including the authority to appoint the prime minister and ministers, command the army, and chair the Higher Judicial Council.

Under Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's leadership, Bahrain has experienced economic growth and development, with substantial increases in GDP per capita and overall GDP. He has also introduced social reforms, advocated for women's rights, and improved living standards in the country.

In terms of foreign policy, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has focused on strengthening Bahrain's connections with partners and upholding stability in the Middle East. He has positioned Bahrain as an ally within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and navigated intricate geopolitical terrains to foster peace and collaboration in the region.

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's reign has been characterised by his emphasis on reforms, modernisation, and preserving Bahrain's cultural heritage. He has significantly impacted Bahrain's history and continues to shape the country's direction, ensuring its progress and stability.

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