Comparative Governments of GCC: Bahrain & Qatar

Comparative Governments of GCC: Bahrain & Qatar

• Bahrain: A monarchy ruled by King Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa, gaining independence from Great Britain on August 15, 1971. The monarch rules with the assistance of relatives in key ministerial positions (e.g., Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs).

Executive Branch (Bahrain)

• The King is the head of state and holds significant executive and legislative power.
• Appoints and dismisses the Prime Minister.
• Appoints the president and members of the Consultative Council.
• Commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
• Chairman of the Higher Judicial Council, appoints judges.
• Can call for a referendum and dissolve parliament.
• Has the right to veto laws.
• Power to amend the constitution and propose, ratify, and circulate laws.
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has served as Prime Minister since 1971, known for a hardline response to protesters (2011). Opposition demanded an elected official to replace the prime minister.

Legislative Branch (Bahrain)

• Bahrain has a bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.
• Upper house: 40-member Majlis Al Shura (appointed by the King).
• Lower house: 40-member Majlis Al Nuwab (elected by citizens).
• Upper house can veto the lower house.
• Members are appointed for four-year terms.
• The National Assembly has limited powers, including: holding annual sessions, extraordinary sessions by royal decree, requiring more than half of its members for a valid meeting, passing resolutions by absolute majority, setting up committees to address citizen complaints.

Consultative Council (Majlis Al Shura)

• Originally established in 1992 as an advisory body, granted law-making powers in 2002.
• Has 40 members appointed for four-year terms.
• The King appoints the president and members of the council.
• President selects two vice-presidents.
• President presides over sessions and acts as chairman when both houses convene.
• Tie-breaking vote in case of deadlock.

Council of Representatives (Majlis Al Nuwab)

• Has 40 members elected by citizens for four-year terms.
• Role in considering legislation, however authority ultimately resides with the king.
• Chamber can be dissolved by the king, and new elections must follow within four months.
• Consultative Council holds veto power over decisions of Representatives council.

Women in the Council

• In 2018, 6 women elected to the Majlis Al Nuwab, and 8 appointed to Majlis Al Shura.
• 8 women elected in 2022. A "proud moment."

Judicial Branch (Bahrain)

• Based on both Islamic law (Sharia) and civil law.
• King appoints all judges.

Civil Law Courts

• Settle all civil and commercial cases, including those involving non-Muslims.
• Three levels: Courts of Minor Causes, High Civil Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Appeal.
• Courts have different jurisdictions based on the nature of disputes.

Shari'a Law Courts

• Jurisdiction over personal status issues for Muslims (Bahraini and non-Bahraini).
• Includes matters related to inheritance and wills.
• Two levels: Senior Shari'a Court and High Shari'a Court of Appeal.
• Each level has both Sunni and Shia courts.
• Minimum of two judges in High Shari'a Court of Appeal.
• Third judge appointed by Ministry of Justice resolves conflicts.

State Security Court

• Established to deal with internal and external security matters.
• Abolished in 2001.
• Reappeared in 2011 as the National Safety Court (military court) to address opposition members.
• The National Safety court comprises a military judge and two civil judges appointed by the Bahrain Defense Force.

Qatar: Background

• Gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 3, 1971.
• Head of State is the Amir (currently Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed office in 2013).
• Amir is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Executive Branch (Qatar)

• Amir discharges functions including:
  • Policy formulation with the assistance of the Council of Ministers.
  • Ratifying and declaring laws (no law can be issued without ratification).
  • Convening the Council of Ministers as needed (presiding over meetings attended).
  • Appointing and removing civil servants and military personnel.

Council of Ministers

• The highest executive body.
• Responsible for administering internal and external affairs.
• Decisions requiring Amir's approval are submitted accordingly.
• The Prime Minister presides over the Council meetings, manages proceedings, coordinates ministries and tasks. Decisions made by the Council are signed by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council.

Advisory Council

• Consists of 45 members: 30 directly elected and 15 appointed by the Amir.
• Term of service ends with resignation or removal.
• Legislative powers, determines budget, and checks on executive power.
• Can draft and approve laws but the final decision lies with the Amir.

Explore the governmental structures of Bahrain and Qatar in this quiz. Learn about the monarchy of Bahrain under King Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa and understand the powers of the executive branch, including the Prime Minister's role. This quiz delves into the intricacies of governance in these critical Gulf states.