A group of Bahraini MPs has submitted a proposal to amend the constitution in an attempt that is aimed to increase the powers of the elected parliament and encourage opposition parties to take part in next year's elections.

The proposal was sponsored by 15 members of the Council of Representatives and could be debated by the House as early as next month, Abdul Hadi Marhoun, leader of the group and First Deputy Speaker, told Gulf News yesterday.

According to proposed changes, a copy of which was sent to Gulf News, the number of the elected MPs would be increased to 45 from 40. The council would also be given new powers such as questioning the prime minister and setting up its own financial audit commission.

Members of a new cabinet would also have to get the parliament's confidence before they take their posts.

The proposed changes come close to the long-time demands of the opposition groups which boycotted the parliamentary elections of 2002.

In October 2002, the kingdom held its first municipal and parliamentary elections in nearly three decades. However, four political groups Al Wefaq, National Democratic Action, Nationalist Assembly and Islamic Action boycotted the elections to protest against the 2002 constitution.

They were opposed in particular to granting the appointed Shura Council legislating powers equal to those restricted by the old 1973 constitution to the elected Council of Representatives. They say the Shura should be an advisory council.

The four groups have since staged a number of demonstrations to highlight their demands. The latest rally was held on Friday in which thousands of people took part.

Marhoun said according to the proposed Bill, the Shura would keep its powers but half of its 40 members would be elected "indirectly" and the rest appointed by the His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa.

"The indirect elections mean the members could be chosen from the elected boards of trade and labour unions and other civic society organisations," he explained.

The aim of the move, which is being opposed by a number of MPs, is to "consolidate the democratic process and end the political stalemate," he added.

He said the Bill has already been forwarded to the parliamentary legislative and legal affairs committee. "The council could vote on it before we adjourn for the summer," he said.

Highlights

• The number of the elected members of parliament would be increased to 45 from 40.
• The council would also be given new powers such as questioning the prime minister and setting up its own financial audit commission.
• Members of a new cabinet would also have to get the parliament's confidence before they take their posts.
• The proposal was sponsored by 15 members of the Council of Representatives and could be debated by the House as early as next month.

©Gulf News