Parliament in Bahrain to get more powers 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Bahrain's King on Sunday announced constitutional amendments for granting the parliament more powers.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in a televised speech said that a royal decree would soon be issued to amend the constitution.

Under the proposed reforms, the King will have to ask the opinion of the heads of the Shura council, parliament and the constitutional court before dissolving the parliament.

Those amendments were part of recommendations of the National Consensus Dialogue that took place in July to tackle unrest. The amendments increase powers to question ministers and withdraw confidence in the cabinet.

The King said: "Our people have proven their desire for continuing with reforms... We complete the march today with those who have an honest patriotic desire for more progress and reform."
"I must mention here that democracy is not just constitutional and legislative rules, it is a culture and practice and adhering by the law and respecting international human rights principles," he said.

"I beseech all sectors of society to work together so that all their sons adhere to the law, which is linked to coexistence and tolerance..."

The reforms fall in line with "our desire to preserve the stability of the homeland," King Hamad said.

The measures include allowing lawmakers to approve governments proposed by the ruling family and giving greater authority to question and remove Cabinet officials. Parliament would also play a larger role in setting the state budget and proposing laws, he said.