Joint vision urged to overcome challenges

VETERAN Shura Council member Jamal Fakhro has been elected unopposed as first vice-chairman for a record 17th consecutive year.

Mr Fakhro’s re-election means he has now held the post since Ali Saleh Al Saleh was appointed chairman by His Majesty King Hamad during the 2006-2007 legislative term.

Dr Jihad Al Fadhel was elected unopposed as the chamber’s second vice-chairwoman for the first time.

The elections were held during the Shura Council’s first meeting following the opening of the National Assembly’s first session of the sixth legislative term last night.

Two members, Fouad Al Haji and Shaikh Adel Al Maawda, were absent for health reasons and have not been sworn in.

Shura Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh urged members to live up to public’s expectations as the chamber convened for the first session during which elections were held for the top posts.

“There are new ambitions and challenges, and they could be overcome through joint vision and efforts,” Mr Al Saleh said. “We have to do our best for the people and protect their interests.”

Earlier, speaking at the opening of the first session, Mr Al Saleh said that “a new chapter was being opened in the kingdom’s advanced democratic process.”

“The outstanding success of the 2022 parliamentary and municipal elections reflect Bahrainis’ patriotism and keenness to exercise their democratic rights with responsibility,” he said.

“Bahrain has attained wide-ranging achievements over the past two decades and become a role model for others, thanks to the King’s sound policies.”

Mr Al Saleh expressed the legislative authority’s pride in the King’s support and directives that have enabled the council to undertake its legislative and supervisory role to the fullest.

“The King’s keynote speech constitutes a roadmap towards a brighter and more promising future,” he said.

“Based on royal directives, the legislative branch will carry on consolidating the national values, principles and fundamentals, as well as preserving the kingdom’s social fabric, civilisational heritage, noble values, and all-inclusive national identity, as the best means to optimise the gains of the nation and its citizens.”

He reiterated Shura support for the Economic Recovery Plan, the Fiscal Balancing Programme, and other initiatives launched by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to diversify sources of income and meet the needs of citizens.

He also highlighted the legislative branch’s interest in updating laws that support the rights of Bahraini women.

“We hail the King’s call for GCC unity, and his emphasis on the importance of commitment to GCC Supreme Council’s resolutions and the Al-Ula Declaration,” Mr Al Saleh added.

Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain also spoke on the occasion. He said the National Assembly should work together with the government to ensure the growth of the nation, taking into account all plans and strategies.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1149871/Joint-vision-urged-to-overcome-challenges