Latest news with #CouncilofRepresentatives
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Strong legislative system key to fulfilling Bahraini aspirations
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasised the pivotal role of the Legislative Authority within the national action framework in advancing the legislative system to better serve the Bahraini people and fulfil their aspirations. He also reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation between the Executive and Legislative Authorities, in line with the Kingdom's overall progress. HRH Prince Salman was speaking as he met yesterday with His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, and H.E. Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, along with their deputies, members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committees from both councils, and several members of the Shura and Representative Councils. His Royal Highness highlighted Team Bahrain's tireless efforts and dedication in contributing to the Kingdom's comprehensive development, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. In addition, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister commended the solidarity and awareness of Bahraini citizens, which continue to reinforce the Kingdom's resilience in facing challenges and preserving its security and stability. He reviewed the latest regional developments and their impact on regional security, affirming that the Kingdom has taken all necessary measures and preparations to enhance its readiness to manage civil emergencies and respond effectively to any situation.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
His Majesty King Hamad Approves New Law to Strengthen Standards and Measurements in Bahrain
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has officially approved and issued Law No. (27) of 2025, which introduces updates to Bahrain's standards and measurements regulations. The amendments were passed by both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The updated law modifies certain articles of the original Law No. (9) of 2016, aiming to improve how national standards, measurements, and technical regulations are developed, implemented, and monitored. Key Changes Introduced: Clearer Definitions: The law now defines the 'concerned authority' more precisely as the department within the ministry responsible for standards and measurements. Authority to Set Standards: The ministry is now tasked with preparing, updating, and cancelling national standards and technical regulations, with these being reviewed by a national committee before approval. Publishing Standards: The ministry can issue, sell, and publish documents related to standards and measurements through its website. Formation of a National Committee: A new 'National Committee for Standards and Measurements' will be formed, chaired by the minister and including members from relevant ministries, government bodies, and the private sector. The committee will serve four-year terms, renewable up to two times. Ministerial Authority: The minister will issue decisions to adopt and approve national standards and technical regulations. These decisions will be officially published in the government's official gazette. Regulating Use of National Standards: It is now a violation to sell or use national standards or technical terms and symbols without proper authorization. Implementation The law takes effect starting the day after its publication in the Official Gazette. The Prime Minister and relevant ministers are tasked with enforcing its provisions. This move reflects Bahrain's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and integrity of its national standards in line with international best practices, supporting both public safety and private sector growth.
Daily Tribune
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Lauds Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Exemplary Hajj Management
Speaker of the Council of Representatives, H.E. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, has lauded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its unwavering commitment and outstanding efforts in ensuring the success of this year's Hajj season. He praised the Kingdom's continued advancements in infrastructure, services, and seamless facilitation that have allowed pilgrims to perform their sacred rites with ease, safety, and peace of mind. Al-Musallam emphasized that Saudi Arabia's comprehensive approach—driven by innovation and strategic planning—has made it a global benchmark in pilgrimage management. He commended the high-level royal directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the dedicated oversight of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, in enhancing the Hajj experience for millions of pilgrims through integrated services and visionary development programs. On this occasion, the Speaker extended his profound appreciation and heartfelt thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued support and directives in facilitating Hajj arrangements for Bahraini pilgrims. He also expressed his gratitude to Bahrain's High Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, the Bahraini Hajj mission, and all local pilgrimage campaigns for their cooperation, commitment, and responsible conduct throughout the season. In a congratulatory note, Al-Musallam conveyed his warm regards to H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council, on the success of this year's pilgrimage. He prayed for the continued security, prosperity, and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership.
Shafaq News
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Financial muscle: How money shapes Iraq's upcoming elections
Shafaq News/ With Iraq's parliamentary elections set for November 11, 2025, political parties are intensifying their campaigns, directing substantial funds toward candidate recruitment and voter outreach in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive race. According to political figures involved in the process, billions of dinars are being funneled toward candidates with strong tribal support or established party affiliations. The scale of spending, already evident across several provinces, is drawing growing attention from civil society groups and election observers. Analysts caution that the increasing role of financial influence may distort the electoral landscape, deepening the divide between dominant parties—whether Shiite, Sunni, or Kurdish—and independent or smaller contenders who lack comparable resources. Old Guard Rule Iraq's 329-seat Council of Representatives remains dominated by long-standing political blocs, leaving little room for new actors to reshape the balance of power in the next parliamentary elections. Allegations of vote-buying and financial misconduct continue to shadow Iraq's electoral process. During the 2018 elections, ballot cards in southern provinces were reportedly sold for between 50,000 and 150,000 Iraqi dinars ($35–$105). The Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue estimated that year's undeclared campaign spending at over $250 million. In 2021, campaign financing became more difficult to trace but appeared even more extensive. Iraq's Integrity Commission opened 15 investigations related to the misuse of public resources, focusing on cases where governors and ministers distributed state-funded food baskets and services during the campaign period. Former MP Razzaq al-Haidari pointed to what he described as entrenched abuse of state power for electoral advantage. 'There are reports of offers reaching billions of dinars for individuals with tribal and political weight,' he stated in remarks to Shafaq News. 'This poses a threat to the political process and risks further alienating the public.' Zuhair al-Jalabi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, highlighted the influence of ruling blocs that control public funds and institutions. 'The political money in the hands of ruling parties is unmatched, giving them a growing base of dependents,' he observed. Al-Jalabi also referred to the manipulation of special voting groups—particularly state employees and members of the security forces—through pressure and inducements. 'These parties exploit state employees and those eligible for special voting through both intimidation and incentives, securing their loyalty.' Costly Sunni Contest Despite reforms passed in 2020 aimed at reshaping Iraq's electoral landscape—such as district-based voting and caps on campaign spending—implementation has remained inconsistent. A 2023 audit by Iraq's Federal Board of Supreme Audit revealed that fewer than 15% of candidates submitted complete campaign finance disclosures. No violations resulted in legal action, reflecting the broader challenge of enforcing electoral standards. In this context of limited oversight, Sunni-majority provinces are emerging as focal points for a high-stakes contest. Several prominent Sunni blocs are gearing up for what tribal leader Muzahim al-Huwait described as a fiercely competitive campaign season, with estimated spending surpassing $1 billion across western Iraq. "Over $1 billion is expected to be spent in the western provinces," he remarked in a statement to Shafaq News, portraying the election as a pivotal moment for the political future of the region. Many Sunni bloc leaders also entered the race with considerable institutional backing. A number currently occupy influential roles in ministries, security bodies, and local administrations. These positions, al-Huwait noted, will serve as platforms through which financial and administrative resources can be mobilized throughout the campaign. 'These resources will be deployed in the political struggle,' he explained, underscoring the depth of their reach. Expectations for high voter turnout reflect a widespread sense of dissatisfaction with the current legislature. Al-Huwait described the outgoing parliament as the weakest since 2003 and predicted a sweeping overhaul in representation. 'There will be a strong push for change, and most of the current faces will be swept out,' he observed. While Sunni alliances remain dominant in these areas, shifting loyalties are beginning to reshape local dynamics. Al-Huwait noted that several Shiite parties have gained traction in Sunni-majority provinces, particularly among communities that credit them with helping liberate areas from extremist groups. 'Some Sunni candidates in Nineveh, al-Anbar, and elsewhere will join Shiite parties,' he added, pointing to evolving alliances and a more fluid political map. Media Manipulation Beyond direct cash transactions, political money is increasingly flowing through digital operations and media influence, further deepening concerns over the integrity of Iraq's electoral process ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections. A 2023 report by the Iraqi Network for Social Media (INSM) documented more than 670 coordinated Facebook and Twitter accounts actively promoting political candidates and targeting their rivals. Many of these accounts were run by media outlets affiliated with dominant political parties. In the final stretch before the last parliamentary elections, these networks escalated their efforts—spreading disinformation, discrediting independent candidates, and shaping public perception through tightly coordinated messaging, the report found. The scale and precision of these campaigns have intensified concerns among local observers, who point to an increasingly blurred line between media and political power. In Babil province, media researcher al-Haidari highlighted coverage that consistently favors ruling coalitions. 'Some media outlets and journalists are cheerleading for the ruling parties,' he remarked to Shafaq News. He also questioned the broader impact of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's record, noting that while some achievements may be visible in Baghdad, they have yet to reach other provinces. Despite leading a broad coalition, al-Sudani is widely seen as unlikely to garner enough support to challenge the Coordination Framework, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, or Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi al-Amiri. Public attitudes have shifted in response. A 2022 survey by the Al-Bayan Center for Planning and Studies found that 71% of Iraqis believe political money determines election outcomes, while 64% no longer view voting as an effective path to change. Trust in political parties has fallen to just 27%, far below the confidence placed in the religious establishment (54%) and the military (41%). This disillusionment has been reflected at the polls. In 2021, voter turnout dropped to 41% of Iraq's 25 million registered voters—the lowest rate since the 2003 invasion. In Sadr City, a key voting bloc in Baghdad, participation fell below 30%, according to the Independent High Electoral Commission.
Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and UK Strengthen Strategic Ties Through Parliamentary Cooperation
Speaker Al Musallam Reaffirms Support During Meeting with British Ambassador Speaker of the Council of Representatives, His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, has reiterated Bahrain's parliamentary commitment to enhancing the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the deep-rooted ties and growing cooperation across all sectors, made possible by the continuous dedication of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth. Expanding Bilateral Cooperation Speaker Al Musallam highlighted the House of Representatives' keen interest in advancing collaboration in all developmental sectors. He stressed the importance of constructive engagement with the UK House of Commons to realize mutual goals and serve the shared interests of both nations and their peoples. His remarks came during an official meeting this morning with His Excellency Alastair Long, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Bahrain. British Ambassador Commends Bahrain's Role Ambassador Long expressed his appreciation for the remarkable progress in Bahrain-UK relations, noting the fruitful coordination and cooperation in various fields. He praised Bahrain's significant role in supporting peace efforts and contributing to sustainable development goals in the region. The ambassador also acknowledged the positive and active role of Bahrain's Council of Representatives in strengthening parliamentary ties between the two friendly countries.
