The ruler of Bahrain proclaimed himself king and his tiny Gulf island state a constitutional monarchy, and called for legislative and local elections in line with a promise of making Bahrain a democracy. Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa gave his royal assent to constitutional amendments at a ceremony at the royal palace that was broadcast live nationwide. With the stroke of a pen, the emir became king and this state of 600,000 was declared the Kingdom of Bahrain. Sheikh Hamad said he was âfulfilling his promiseâ and immediately called national elections for a legislative body on Oct. 24 and municipal elections in May, because, he said, âWe are keen to resume democratic life as soon as possible for the glory of Bahrain, its prosperity and development.â Men and women will be allowed to vote and run for office.
The constitutional amendments were drawn by a committee Sheikh Hamad had appointed following a referendum a year ago to the day that called for a constitutional monarchy in Bahrain, which has been ruled solely by the Al Khalifa family. The referendum won 98.4 per cent of the popular vote. The constitutional changes put this small state on the road to democratic rule in the Gulf region where political freedoms are limited. |