Bahrain House opens after 27 years

His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will address the opening session of special joint meeting of the elected house and the appointed Shura Council of the Parliament today.

The session will be the first meeting of lawmakers since the parliament's predecessor was dissolved 27 years ago.

Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will present his government's programme. He had ordered a panel that includes ministers and senior officials to draft the programme.

The 40 members of parliament were elected in two rounds in October. The Shura's 40 members, meanwhile, were appointed by the King.