Electionworld.org / Elections around the world

Bahrain (Arabic: البحرين / Bahrayn) is a country in Arabia. The capital is al-Manamah (Manama). The official religion is islam (shia and sunni). The official language is Arabic, another main language is Farsi. Bahrain has a population of around 670,000 on 665 km². The country is a monarchy with developing democratic structures.

Freedom House rated the country on political rights with a 5 and on civil rights with a 5, both on a scale of 1 to 7 (in which 1 is the most free). Freedom House considers Bahrain to be a partly free country.

More info: CIA World Fact Book - Wikipedia - World Statesmen - Rulers - IPU Parline - Adam Carr - Political resources

Political parties (including links) - A short history

Executive:
King: Shaykh Hamad ibn `Isa Al Khalifah (1999)
Prime minister: Shaykh Khalifa ibn Sulman Al Khalifa (1971)

Parliament:
The Parliament has 40 members elected in single-seat constituencies for a four year term. No parties are allowed in Bahrain. According to Rulers in parliamentary elections at 24 october 2002 the moderate Sunni Islamists and independents win 16 of 40 seats. Turnout is 53.2%. In a second round held on October 31, the independents win 12 seats and the Islamists 9. The secular representatives or independents secure a total of 21 of the 40 seats.