Powers of Elected Parliament To Increase Following Groundbreaking Consensus at Bahrain's National Dialogue

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bahrain's historic and comprehensive National Dialogue reached groundbreaking consensus to increase the powers of the elected parliament, Dialogue spokesman Isa Abdul Rahman announced today.

Delegates specifically agreed to expand parliament's role in overseeing the selection of Bahrain's government. Parliament will now be empowered with the ability to approve or reject the appointed prime minister's cabinet selections, he said.

"Under the new proposals, the Prime Minister will now assume responsibility for selecting the members of his government," Mr. Abdul Rahman said. "The government will require the endorsement of our parliament before taking up office. If members of Parliament disapprove, they can vote to reject the entire government. This decision guarantees that our government's composition and work plan will reflect the will of the people."

The announced consensus is the latest in a series of important reforms announced by the National Dialogue in its efforts to enact sweeping democratic reforms in Bahrain.

"This decision represents a radical shift in the balance of power - between our democratically elected parliament and our executive branch – further demonstrating Bahrain's commitment to concrete reforms," Mr. Abdul Rahman said.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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