Kingdom of Bahrain

Not only is democratic governance central to the achievement of MDGs, but as a core practice area of UNDP efforts, promoting democratic institutions and strengthening rule of law creates an enabling environment where the state is able to enforce respect for human rights and foster a thriving civil society which allow a country to move towards quantifiable, home grown development goals that result from a methodical approach towards negotiations and consultations amongst pertinent stakeholders. UNDP's core services to support national processes of democratic transitions focus on: (i) policy advice and technical support; (ii) strengthening capacity of institutions and individuals (iii) advocacy, communications, and public information; (iv) promoting and brokering dialogue; and (v) knowledge networking and sharing of good practices.

The Kingdom, under the auspices of H.M. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa put the National Action Charter – considered the blueprint for democratic reforms in the country – to referendum. It was passed by an overwhelming 94.8% of voters in February 2001. The political reform agenda included municipal and parliamentary elections, the most recent of which witnessed the participation of women, not only as voters but as viable competitors to their male counterparts. In addition to the creation of an independent judiciary, a bicameral legislature was established with an appointed body (Shura Council) and an elected house (Consultative Council). UNDP is supporting Bahrain’s reform agenda through numerous capacity building measures and enhancing democratic and good governance principles by implementing a participatory approach to policy development. This comprehensive initiative is elaborated through the following projects: