What changes did Bahrain’s 2002 constitution make to the country’s government?

The 2002 constitution fundamentally transformed Bahrain’s government by establishing the country as a constitutional hereditary monarchy, with the head of state transitioning from the title of emir to king.12

Key structural changes included:

• Executive Branch: The king appoints the prime minister, who serves as the head of government, along with the Council of Ministers.1
• Legislative Branch: A bicameral parliament was established, consisting of a 40-member Consultative Council appointed by the king and a 40-member Chamber of Deputies elected via universal adult suffrage. Members of both bodies serve four-year terms.1

While the 2002 constitution included provisions to guarantee civil rights regardless of religion or sex, critics noted that it created a relatively weak parliament, leaving significant governing authority concentrated in the hands of the king and the royal family. This marked a shift from the previous system, which had relied on the traditional majlis for public representation following the dissolution of the 1973 National Assembly.21