HM King renews unwavering resolve to safeguard the national democratic gains

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday chaired the Cabinet session in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, at Al Sakhir Palace. HM King Hamad stressed keenness to continue developing the political and democratic life in Bahrain, highlighting the importance of the next phase of national work, in which the kingdom will hold elections to elect the members of the Council of Representatives for the Fifth Legislative Term.

The upcoming parliamentary elections will provide an opportunity for Bahrain to write a new chapter in its democratic process whose cornerstone were laid down by the National Action Charter and spearheaded by HM the King’s Reform Project, a post-session statement by the Cabinet Secretary-General, Dr Yasser Al Nasser, said. HM King Hamad renewed unwavering resolve to safeguard the national democratic gains, and to increase them through building on the achievements that had been attained under the constitutional establishments.

HM the King expressed deep pride in the contributions of the Legislative Branch to the kingdom’s comprehensive development march, noting that 16 years of parliamentary work constitute a major national gain and an important asset in improving the democratic practices and consolidating popular participation. The King also reiterated strong resolve to carry on the continuous Reform Project. HM King Hamad gave directives to the government to provide all success requirements for the elections, calling for concerted efforts by all government departments to ensure free, fair and transparent parliamentary elections.

HM the King praised the citizens’ responsible patriotic awareness through massive participation in the forthcoming elections to select the most competent candidates who are capable of serving them and representing them at the Council of Representatives, urging to place the national interests above everything else. HM King Hamad expressed satisfaction with the citizens’ enthusiasm to take part in the electoral process, thus reflecting their high confidence in the constitutional and official institutions, and satisfaction with the gains attained under parliamentary work.