Constitutional amendment hailed

Manama, Oct.7 (BNA): Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al-Khalifa hailed the Council of Representatives, which convened in an extraordinary session and approved the amendment of article 91 of the constitution. He stressed the importance of the move for the democratic march, which was initiated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to consolidate national gains and boost wide-ranging development. “The constitutional amendment grants the legislature more prerogatives to oversee the executive branch of government”, he said, hailing the legislative-executive cooperation as the cornerstone to optimize national achievements. He paid tribute to His Majesty the King, hailing the royal support for the process. He commended His Royal Highness the Prime Minister for his directives, hailing the support of HRH the Crown Prince to streamline legislative work. The constitutional amendment expands the role of the Council of Representatives to oversee the executive and address questions to the cabinet members and ministers. Under the current constitutional text, questions are addressed to ministers only. The amendment entitles the Shura Council members the right to address written questions to ministers who reply in writing only. The expanded right allows the Shura Council members to fulfil their duties as per the constitutional provisions. The prerogative granted to the Shura Council does not prejudice the exclusive right of the Council of Representatives to oversee the executive branch of government.