Comparative Governments of GCC: Bahrain & Qatar

Comparative Governments of GCC: Bahrain & Qatar

• Bahrain:

  • Monarchy, ruled by King Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa since 1999
  • Gained independence from Great Britain on August 15, 1971
  • Monarch rules with assistance of relatives holding key ministerial positions (Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs)

• Qatar:

  • Independence from the United Kingdom on September 3, 1971
  • Head of State is the Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, since June 25, 2013
  • Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

Executive Branch - Bahrain

• King is head of state and holds wide-ranging executive and legislative powers

• Appoints and dismisses the Prime Minister

• Appoints president and members of the Consultative Council

• Commander-in-chief of the armed forces

• Chairman of the Higher Judicial Council and appoints judges

• Can call for a referendum on any issue

• Can dissolve parliament

• Has veto power over laws passed by the National Assembly

• Power to amend the constitution and propose, ratify, and circulate laws

• Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa:

  • Longest-serving prime minister (since 1971)
  • Historically associated with a hardline response to protesters, including during the 2011 Arab Uprising
  • Opposition demanded his replacement with an elected official during 2011 protests

Executive Branch - Qatar

• Amir discharges functions:

  • Draws up the state's general policy with Council of Ministers assistance
  • Ratifies and declares laws (not issued without Amir's ratification)
  • Summons and presides over Council of Ministers meetings as needed
  • Appoints/dismisses civil and military personnel as per law

• Council of Ministers:

  • Established by Amiri Order, proposed by the Prime Minister
  • Amir may assign roles to Prime Minister or other ministers
  • Prime Minister presides over sessions, coordinates ministries, signs decisions
  • Submits decisions requiring Amiri approval to the Amir
  • Defined in Article 121 of Qatar's Constitution as the highest executive body responsible for internal and external affairs

Legislative Branch - Bahrain

• Bicameral legislature with:
  • Upper House (Majlis Al Shura): 40 members appointed by the King
  • Lower House (Majlis Al Nuwab): 40 members elected by citizens
  • Upper house can veto lower house decisions
  • Members appointed for four-year terms

The National Assembly - Bahrain

• Limited role:
  • Holds annual sessions
  • Can be called to special sessions (by royal decree)
  • Needs over half of its members for valid meetings
  • Passes resolutions by an absolute majority
  • Sets up special committees to address citizens' complaints, seeking explanations from authorities

Consultative Council (Majlis Al Shura) - Bahrain

• Established in 1992 as advisory body with the right to propose legislation
• Granted law-making powers in 2002
• Composed of 40 members appointed for four-year renewable terms
• King appoints president and members of the council
• President chooses two vice-presidents
• Serves as chairman during joint sessions of both houses
• Casts tie-breaking vote in case of deadlock

Council of Representatives (Majlis Al Nuwab) - Bahrain

• Composed of 40 members elected by citizens for four-year terms
• Plays a role in legislation, but ultimate authority lies with the King
• Can be dissolved by the King, who can recall a dissolved chamber
• New elections must be held within four months of a dissolution
• Consultative council has veto power over its decisions

Women in the Council - Bahrain

• Six women elected to Majlis Al Nuwab and eight appointed to Majlis Al Shura in 2018
• Eight women elected in the 2022 elections
• This is viewed as a proud achievement

Judicial Branch - Bahrain

• Based on both Islamic Law (Sharia) and civil law
• King appoints all judges by royal decree

Civil Law Courts - Bahrain

• Settle civil and commercial cases, including those involving non-Muslims' personal status
• Three-tiered structure:
  • Courts of Minor Causes: One judge handles minor disputes
  • High Civil Court of Appeal: Larger disputes and non-Muslim personal status cases presided over by three judges
  • Supreme Court of Appeal: Headed by a chairman, and three other judges (all appointed by decree)

Sharia Law Courts - Bahrain

• Jurisdiction over Muslim personal status issues (inheritance, wills, and other related matters):
  • Two levels of Sharia courts: Senior and High Sharia court of appeal in Bahrain
  • Each has both Sunni and Shia courts, with minimum of two judges for High court of appeal to make decisions
  • In case of disagreements, ministry of justice provides a third judge

State Security Court - Bahrain

• Established to address internal and external security concerns
• Abolished in 2001
• National Safety Court established in place of State Security Court following emergency in 2011
• Deals with opposition members
• Headed by a military judge and two civilian judges appointed by the Bahrain Defense Force

Explore the comparative aspects of the governmental systems in Bahrain and Qatar. This quiz delves into their monarchies, powers of the rulers, and independence histories. test your knowledge on the executive branches and influential figures in both countries.