Bahraini Parliament to gain more power

The king of Bahrain announced plans to give the country's Parliament more power, including the ability to approve or reject government programs. King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa also revealed potential amendments to Bahrain's Constitution, the Daily Gulf News reported. The constitutional amendments were designed to "reflect the popular will in the formation of the government based on its program," among other things, the king said Sunday. Key amendments include the power of Parliament to monitor the government, giving members the right to question Cabinet ministers and enabling them to give ministers votes of no confidence. The amendments will go before the National Assembly for approval before implementation. Hamad said the changes were based on recommendations made during last year's National Dialogue. "Our loyal people have demonstrated that their will, despite all events, is devoted to continuing the reform project, preserving the achievements of the Charter and the Constitution, and accelerating progress and momentum through constitutional institutions," the king said.