HM King Hamad Issues a New Law to Revoke MP’s Membership if They’re Unfit for the Job

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued Decree-Law (7) of 2024, amending Article (XXVIII) of Decree-Law (15) of 2002 concerning the Shura and Representatives Councils. This amendment, proposed by the Prime Minister and approved by the Cabinet, aims to enhance the accountability and integrity of members of the Council of Representatives.

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Article I

The text of Article (XXVIII) of Decree-Law (15) of 2002 has been replaced with the following:

“The membership of a member of the Council of Representatives shall be revoked if the member loses the confidence or respect of the Council or fails to fulfill the duties of membership.
The decision to revoke membership must be issued by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Council. The vote shall be conducted by calling on the members in their names.
Membership shall be invalidated if it is found that the member lacked one of the required conditions upon election or during their membership in the Council.
Official bodies may, at any time, request the Court of Cassation to rule on the invalidation of a member’s membership in those cases. The court’s ruling to invalidate membership shall result in the annulment of the member’s membership from the date of its issuance. The court’s ruling shall have no effect on the work performed by the member within the Council in the previous period or the rights they have obtained.”

Basically, this means:

An MP’s membership can be revoked if they lose the trust or respect of the Council or fail to do their job.
Revoking membership requires a two-thirds majority vote by name.
If an MP didn’t meet the necessary conditions at any time, their membership can be invalidated.
Official bodies can ask the Court of Cassation to invalidate a membership, effective immediately, but past actions and rights of the MP remain unaffected.

Any conflicting texts are repealed.

Article II

The Prime Minister and relevant ministers are responsible for implementing this law, which will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.

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