Reformist Majority To Test Emir

July 2006 | Ratings Update

The overall parliamentary majority won by reformist candidates in the June 29 elections will complicate matters for the emir. Although we would expect his cabinet to retain control of the legislature, any attempt to overrule parliamentary decisions will be met with close scrutiny, both from the US and domestically. While this bodes well for the prospects of electoral and economic reforms, the risk is that the loosely allied coalition of Islamists and liberals, which currently forms the opposition, breaks up.

If you would like to subscribe to Middle East Monitor, The Gulf and gain instant access to this article, please click here to subscribe.

If you would like to take a trial to Middle East Monitor, The Gulf please click on the trial link below.