Government

GOVERNMENT

Bahrain is ruled by the Al-Khalifa family. The emir since 1999 has been Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa; his heir is Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad. In February 2002, the emir declared the country a constitutional monarchy, with himself, retitled a king, as head of state. Formerly, a constitution promulgated in 1973 provided for a National Assembly, which met for two years and was dissolved in 1975 after accusations of subversion. Administrative functions are currently performed by a Cabinet appointed by the emir. A 30-member consultative council (the Shura), consisting chiefly of prominent businesspeople, was inaugurated in January 1993. To widen popular representation, it was increased to 40 members in 1996, and in September 2000 four women and two non-Muslims were among those new members sworn in. Elections took place in October 2002 and women have been newly enfranchised.