Bahrain Mirror: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Decree-Law 26/2020, amending Article (173) of Decree-Law 54/2002 regarding the statute of the Council of Representatives.

The decree-law stipulates that the text of Article (173) of Decree-Law 54/2002 shall be amended as follows:

"It is not permissible for more than 10 members to participate in the general discussion. The priority of participation in the discussion shall be given to those who wish to do so from the applicants according to the order of registering their names in the Secretariat-General of the Council of Representatives ahead of the session, taking into account those who have priority to speak on the subject of the discussion, in accordance with the provisions of the first paragraph of Article (171) of this statute.

"In case the number of applicants wishing to take part in the discussion is less than 10, priority should be given to those whose names have been registered in the Secretariat-General of the Council  prior the session, and then for the members who request to speak during the session.

"In all cases, the discussion period of any member shall not exceed five minutes. It is also not permissible for the discussion to include criticism, blame, or accusation, or include statements that contravene the Constitution or the Law, constitute a breach of the dignity of persons or entities, or harm the high interests of the country."

The decree-law takes effect one day after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Arabic Version