MANAMA, 15 February — Bahrain declared itself a constitutional monarchy yesterday and said it would hold its first parliamentary elections in 27 years in October. The ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad ibn Isa Al-Khalifa, proclaimed the Gulf archipelago a kingdom and himself king. He set Oct. 24 as the date for the polls during a speech broadcast on state television.
He also announced that Bahrain would revive municipal elections which would see women running for office for the first time. Women could vote, work and own businesses in Bahrain but had not previously been allowed to stand for election.
“These decisions were taken to resume democracy as soon as possible for the welfare and prosperity of Bahrain,” Sheikh Hamad said on the first anniversary of a referendum on reform measures he had suggested last year.
Sheikh Hamad signed a law providing for legislative elections to be held in October and for municipal elections in May.
“We announce the full reactivation of Bahrain’s constitution...for the achievement of further gains and freedom,” he added. The decree coincided with the first anniversary of the National Charter which promised democratic reforms.
Men and women over 21 will have the right to vote and run for public office. Those with criminal records will not be entitled to vote.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, sent messages of congratulations to Sheikh Hamad.
King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah “wished the king of Bahrain health and prosperity and expressed the hope that the Bahraini people would fulfill their aspirations,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Sheikh Hamad has also said he would not object to the creation of political parties provided they maintained social unity. He has not said what he would consider divisive.
In the municipal elections, property-owners and nationals of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states who live on the island can also cast their votes — making Bahrain the only Arab country that allows foreigners to vote.
Bahraini newspapers said other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens permanently resident in Bahrain would be allowed to take part in the municipal elections. The economic and political alliance of the GCC is made up of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman Al-Khalifa said on Wednesday the municipal elections were “testimony to Bahrain’s efforts to involve the public in managing municipal services and other services”.
A Consultative Council appointed by the government will have veto powers. Minister of Justice Sheikh Abdullah ibn Khalid Al-Khalifa, who is also head of the Constitutional Amendment Committee, said the council would be given legislative powers on a par with the new elected parliament.
