What is the political system of KSA?
The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was founded in 1932 by Abdulaziz bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud), is a monarchy. Saudi Arabia is a hereditary monarchy.
Ibn Saud’s son, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been the ruler since 2005, though he had been regent from 1996, due to the illness of his brother King Fahad. The King’s heir apparent is Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who also holds the title of Deputy Prime Minister, and who is a half-brother of the King.
The document known as the Basic Law of Government, which articulates the government’s rights and responsibilities, was established by royal decree in 1992.
Executive Branch:
The King is also the prime minister, chief of state, the head of government, and commander in chief of the military of Saudi Arabia. The King’s Cabinet, or Council of Ministers, is appointed by the King every four years, and includes many family members. There are 22 government ministries that are part of the Cabinet.
The monarchy is hereditary, so there are no elections for the role. However, an Allegiance Commission was created by royal degree in October 2006. The Commission is a committee of princes who will play a role in selecting future kings; however, the system won’t take effect until after Crown Prince Sultan becomes king.
In February 2009, King Abdullah appointed Norah Al-Fayez to be the first female cabinet-level official, a deputy minister for women's education. She had formerly had worked as an official in the Saudi Institute for Public Administration.
Legislative Branch:
This is made up of a Consultative Council (also known as Majlis as-Shura or Shura Council) with 150 members and a chairman appointed by the king for a four-year term. The Consultative council proposes new laws and amends current laws. In October 2003, the Council announced its intent to start elections for half of the members of the local and provincial assemblies (there are 13 provinces, each with a governor and deputy and its own council made up of at least 10 citizens), and one-third of the members of the Consultative Council incrementally over a period of four to five years. No elections have yet been announced.
The Consultative Council has 12 committees that deal with human rights, education, culture, information, health and social affairs, services and public utilities, foreign affairs, security, administration, Islamic affairs, economy and industry, and finance.
Judicial Branch:
The country is governed and justice is administered according to Islamic law. The Supreme Council of Justice, which is comprised of 12 senior jurists, represents the judicial branch of government.
Justice is administered by a system of religious courts whose judges are appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council. The independence of the judiciary is protected by law. The King acts as the highest court of appeal and has the power to pardon.
On October 1, 2007, a royal order approved changes to the judicial system. The changes included the establishment of a Supreme Court and special commercial, labor and administrative courts.
Other:
Local elections in 178 municipalities were first held in 2005, and only male citizens over 21 were allowed to vote.
There are no political parties in Saudi Arabia.
For more information, see:
• The CIA World Factbook (Saudi Arabia)
• The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington
