Bahrain declared constitutional monarchy

His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the newly-declared Kingdom of Bahrain, declared that the "establishment of constitutional institution fulfils the pledge of reforms that was overwhelmingly endo-rsed by the popular referendum on the National Action Charter (NAC)."

Sheikh Hamad yesterday end-ed months of intense speculations and rumours of the anticipated political changes when he announced the constitutional changes.

Under these changes announced at a special ceremony at the Safriya Palace, the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was declared His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and the constitutional changes also provided for a constitutional monarchy and a National Assembly with two chambers - one elected by the people and the other to be appointed by the king.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalif and the Crown Prince and Comm-ander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shura Council members, besides other dignitaries.

Sheikh Hamad also announced that the municipal elections will be held on May 9, 2002 followed by the parliamentary elections on October 24, 2002.

The new constitutional changes also provides for equal participation of women, with men, in both municipal and parliamentary elections, a constitutional court and the establishment of an autonomous audit bureau.

In his first royal order, Sheikh Hamad declared the State of Bahrain as the Kingdom of Bahrain and the official title of the Emir to be the King of Bahrain and both the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to carry out this order with immediate effect.

Sheikh Hamad added that "it is a day of honouring a pledge to attain our historical aspiration which we made with our sincere people for reactivating the constitution of Bahrain including the amendments stipulated in the National Action Charter.

In keeping with this promise and pledge for achieving further gains and freedoms, the State of Bahrain has been declared the Kingdom of Bahrain besides establishing constitutional institutions reflecting the joint resolve represented by the overwhelming popular approval of the referendum on the charter.

" The scope of the conviction in the people of Bahrain gives us a historical and pleasant opportunity to announce that the municipal elections shall be held on May 9, 2002 followed by the parliamentary elections on October 24 this year.

This demonstrates our keen desire to reinstate the democratic process at an early date in the interest of progress and prosperity of Bahrain under a formula of a sustained evolution of development and revival in line with the constitutional mechanism and the national resolve," said Sheikh Hamad.

He said "as we reach this remarkable achievement which demonstrate all means of unity we express our appreciation to those men who made this possible.

This included the uncle and father of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman and all members of the constitution amendment committee, advisors and constitutional experts and the committee for the implementation of the NAC and all others who provided advice and guidance.

Earlier, addressing the ceremony Justice and Islamic Affairs Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who is also the head of the committee for amending the constitution, first declared the State of Bahrain as the Kingdom of Bahrain.

He stressed that "the system of the government in Bahrain is a constitutional hereditary monarchy in accordance with the constitution and the Emiri decree on hereditary and it has become appropriate that Bahrain occupies its status among the democratic constitutional monarchies which work for achieving the aspirations of the people towards progress.

Accordingly the amended constitution stipulates that Bahrain is an independent Arab Islamic Kingdom enjoying full sovereignty".

Yesterday was the first anniversary of the national referendum on the National Action Charter which was approved by an overwhelming majority of 98.4 per cent.

The NAC was introduced by Sheikh Hamad to usher in political, economic and social changes to take the island into 21st century.

Since the referendum numerous changes were introduced changing the political atmosphere overnight with clubs, societies and other such centres freely discussing the changes and the future of the island.