Political system
Monarchy
Structure of parliament
Bicameral
IPU membership
Yes

Oversight

Oversight tools

Parliament/Chamber has the power to summon members of the government
Yes
Parliament/chamber has the power to summon senior government officials
Yes
Parliament has the power to approve key government appointments
No
Parliament/chamber has the power to approve key government appointments
Yes
Number of written questions asked, per year
41
(2023)
Number of written questions answered by the government, per year
33
(2023)
Percentage of written questions answered by the government, per year
80.5%
(2023)
Parliament/chamber has power to carry out inquiries
No
Number of parliamentary inquiries, per year
Not applicable
(2023)

Head of State and/or Government

Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of Government
Parliament does not play a role

Sources: Constitution, Art. 33(d)

The Head of Government is also the Head of State
No
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of State
Parliament does not play a role

Notes: Bahrain is a hereditary monarchy.

Sources: Constitution, Art. 1(b)

Impeachment and confidence motions

Parliament is automatically dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted
No
Chambers that can be dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted
Lower chamber

Notes:

Constitution, Art. 42(c) and 99.

Impeachment procedure

There is a procedure for parliament to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution
Not applicable (there is no procedure)
Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment
Not applicable

No confidence processes

There is a procedure for parliament to express no confidence in the following persons/institution
Individual members of the Executive
Other
Chambers that play a role in motions of no confidence
Lower chamber

Notes:

Any Minister and individual members of the National Assembly may be removed for loss of confidence.

The subject of confidence in the Prime Minister shall not be raised in the Chamber of Deputies, rather a motion of "inability to cooperate with the Prime Minister" may be put forward with the support of at least ten members. If the Chamber of Deputies approves the motion by a two-thirds majority vote, the King then decides whether the Prime Minister shall be removed and a new cabinet appointed, or if the Chamber of Deputies should be dissolved.

Sources:

Constitution, Art. 65-66, 67 and 99

Internal Regulations of the Council of Representatives, Art. 152

Historical data for IPU membership

Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No