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Title_of_text

Constitution of Bahrain.

Main Region

First Region

Bahrain
Constitutional law
1973-05-26
National
Constitution

Second Region

Consists of five Parts. Part I outlines basic principles. The rule of Bahrain shall be hereditary, yet "the system of government is democratic, under which sovereignty lies with the people, the source of all powers." Islam is the religion of Bahrain, and Islamic Sharia a main source of legislation. Part II sets forth the fundamental constituents of society. The family is the corner-stone of society, and the State shall provide social security in the case of old age, sickness, inability to work, widowhood and unemployment (Art 5). Citizens also have the right to health welfare (Art 8). Art. 13 guarantees citizens the right to work: the State shall ensure that work is made available, forbid forced labour, and regulate the relationship between employer and employees. The State shall also seek Arab economic unity (Art 10). Human rights are treated in Part III. People are equal without discrimination as to race, origin, language, religion or belief (Art. 18.) Other rights set forth are the right to free speech, assembly, personal liberty, and the freedom to form trade associations and unions (Art. 27). Part IV sets forth the powers of the branches of government. The Amir is head of State, commander of the armed forces, and has the power to issue decrees with the force of law. Legislative power rests with the National Assembly. Part IV also provides for a Cabinet and a Supreme Council of the Judiciary. Provisions relating to the amendment of the Constitution are set forth in Part V. The principle of hereditary rule may not be amended (Art. 104), and the National Assembly may not be suspended under any circumstances, even under martial law (Art. 108).

Entry dates region

    Date of entry into force
    1973-12-16
    --

Repealing Text region

Monograph region

    Monograph title
    Constitutions of the Countries of the World
    Author
    Albert P. Blaustein & Gisberth H. Flanz, eds.
    Publisher
    Oceana Publications
    Place of publication
    Dobbs Ferry, New York
    Country
    United States of America
    Date
    1985-06
    Page range
    51 p.
    ISBN
    0-379-00467-4

Serial region

    Serial title
    Arab Law Quarterly, Part I
    Date
    1995
    Volume
    Vol. 10
    Page range
    pp. 92-111
    ISBN
    0268-0556