Bahrain

Dr Andy Williamson (Senior researcher at CIP, the IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament) notes that there is nothing new about AI. But we have certainly embarked on a new level of AI integration. Technology can now engage with us directly, generate new content and predict outcomes. This could transform a wide variety of settings, including parliaments.

In Innovation Tracker #7 (December 2020), we explored the how the Shura Council of Bahrain had responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we revisit the Council to look at the lessons learned and new focus areas, including AI.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges and a need for remote working and operations in Bahrain, as it has elsewhere. The implementation of new systems and innovative frameworks is now of vital importance to support the parliament in achieving its goals. Ready access to technology – especially communications technology – is essential. By previously planning and developing systems that could help Members of Parliament (MPs) work remotely, the Shura Council of Bahrain was able to keep running and overcome the challenges of physical distancing and remote working.