VETERAN Shura Council member Jamal Fakhro was last night elected unopposed as first vice-chairman for a record 12th consecutive year.
He has held the post since chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh was appointed by His Majesty King Hamad during the legislative term 2006-2007.
Last year, he faced fierce competition from Dalal Al Zayed, who was the first female member to run for the post, pledging to run every year or have someone else run for the post, until reform is achieved.
She managed to get 17 votes last year in comparison to Mr Fakhro’s 22 with one member abstaining.
However, moves to stop her for running again this year were successful as the council wanted to continue with the same formation.
All 40 Shura Council members were present for the first meeting of the final session of the fourth four-year legislative term, which was opened by His Majesty King Hamad at a ceremony held in the Isa Cultural Hall earlier yesterday.
Meanwhile, Jameela Nusaif was elected unopposed as the council’s second vice-chairwoman for the fourth consecutive year.
The elected members later joined Mr Al Saleh at a general-secretariat meeting to divide the remaining 37 Shura Council members among committees for presentation during their upcoming weekly session next Sunday.
Mr Al Saleh said the task in the final term would be more difficult than the three years that have passed.
“We have to focus on developing democracy and allowing reform, while focusing at the same time on addressing challenges and the things going around us.
“The task in the final term is always the hardest, but working with all those concerned to protect the nation’s security, stability and unity, while allowing Bahrain to surge ahead, is something that only modern legislations and joint efforts can achieve.
“Terrorism remains the biggest challenge but we are on alert and ready to do whatever it takes to combat it.”
He said the government needs to partner with legislators to achieve intended goals.
“There are loads of legislations expected to be placed on our table over the coming months that will help develop the country’s sources of revenue and allow Bahrainis to lead better lives, besides different legislations that aim to stabilise the economy and allow it to grow.”
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain also spoke at the beginning of the session, stressing the need for co-operation between both chambers of the National Assembly and the government.
“The country is moving towards the future with steady steps despite challenges and this is because we have been working with legislators and coming up with joint decisions on obstacles,” he said.
“Development requires efforts and we are working to achieve public good in the best way possible.”
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