GOVERNMENT
The central institution of Saudi Arabian Government is the monarchy. The Basic Law adopted in 1992 declared that Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the sons and grandsons of King Abd Al Aziz Al Saud, and that the Holy Qur'an is the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of Islamic law (Shari'a). There are no political parties or national elections; however, the country held its first municipal elections in 2005. The king's powers are limited because he must observe the Shari'a and other Saudi traditions. He also must retain a consensus of the Saudi royal family, religious leaders (ulema), and other important elements in Saudi society. In the past the leading members of the royal family chose the king from among themselves with the subsequent approval of the ulema. In November 2006, King Abdullah established an Allegiance Commission that will select future crown princes, a step designed to help formalize the selection process.
Saudi
kings gradually have developed a central government. Since 1953,
the Council of Ministers, appointed by and responsible to the
king, has advised on the formulation of general policy and directed
the activities of the growing bureaucracy. This council consists
of a prime minister, the first and second deputy prime ministers,
20 ministers (of whom the minister of defense also is the second
deputy prime minister), two ministers of state, and a small number
of advisers and heads of major autonomous organizations.
Legislation
is by resolution of the Council of Ministers, ratified by royal
decree, and must be compatible with the Shari'a. Justice is administered
according to the Shari'a by a system of religious courts whose
judges are appointed by the king on the recommendation of the
Supreme Judicial Council, composed of 12 senior jurists. The independence
of the judiciary is protected by law. The king acts as the highest
court of appeal and has the power to pardon. Access to high officials
(usually at a majlis, or public audience) and the right to petition
them directly are well-established traditions.
The kingdom
is divided into 13 provinces governed by princes or close relatives
of the royal family. All governors are appointed by the King.
In March 1992, King Fahd issued several decrees outlining the basic statutes of government and codifying for the first time procedures concerning the royal succession. Fahd's political reform program also provided for the establishment of a national Consultative Council, with appointed members having advisory powers to review and give advice on issues of public interest. It also outlined a framework for councils at the provincial level.
In September 1993, King Fahd issued additional reform decrees, appointing the members of the national Consultative Council and spelling out procedures for the new council's operations. He announced reforms regarding the Council of Ministers, including term limitations of 4 years and regulations to prohibit conflict of interest for ministers and other high-level officials. The members of 13 provincial councils and the councils' operating regulations also were announced in September 1993. In February, March, and April 2005, Saudis voted in the country's first municipal elections in more than 50 years. Women and male members of the military were not permitted to vote.
In July
1997, the membership of the Consultative Council was expanded
from 60 to 90 members, and again in May 2001 from 90 to 120 members.
Membership has changed significantly during expansions of the
council as many members have not been reappointed. The role of
the council is gradually expanding as it gains experience.
In November 2006, King Abdullah announced the formation of an Allegiance Committee which, in the future, will select the Crown Prince. The Committee will be charged to select a crown prince to replace Prince Sultan. A December 2007 royal decree named the initial members fo the Committee, all of whom are sons of grandsons of the Kingdoms’ founder, King Abdul Aziz. Only the direct male descendants of Abdul Aziz are eligible to become the monarch.
Principal
Government Officials
King, Prime Minister, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques--King
Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Prince Saud Al Faysal bin Abdul Aziz
Al Saud
Ambassador to the U.S--Adel al-Jubeir
The
embassy
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located at 601 New Hampshire
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; tel. 202-342-3800.
Type:
Monarchy with Council of Ministers and Consultative Council.
Unification: September 23, 1932.
Constitution: The Holy Qur'an (Governed according
to Islamic Law) Branches: Executive--King (chief of state
and head of government).
Legislative--none; a Consultative Council with
advisory powers was formed September 1993. Judicial--Supreme
Council of Justice, Islamic Courts of First Instance and Appeals.
Administrative divisions: 13 provinces.
Political parties: None.
