Exploring Bicameral Dynamics: Comparative Institutional Frameworks in the Islamic World

Abstract

Through the institutionalism perspective, this article presents a comparative description of the bicameral legislatures within the Islamic countries. Regarding the relationship between bicameralism and political systems, it has been observed that bicameralism is a phenomenon that is widely used in many global political systems. This is because the two houses of a bicameral system perform various tasks, such as maintaining power equilibrium, providing representation, and supervising the smooth functioning of the State machinery. However, the execution of bicameralism varies according to the priority placed on the Islamic countries' political systems as well as their unique historical, cultural, and political circumstances. Because of this, this study uses case studies from a variety of Islamic nations to explain and analyze the ideas of institutionalization of bicameral legislatures and the functions of bicameral legislatures in certain Islamic countries. It examines how bicameralism has evolved historically in Islamic countries and how they have considered incorporating it into contemporary political structures. Additionally, this paper explores the ideas of bicameralism and evaluates its positive and negative aspects, including issues with accountability, representation, and legislation. Because of this, this work challenges academics and practitioners to consider the characteristics and implications of bicameral legislatures in the Islamic setting, drawing on knowledge in legislative theory, Islamic politics, and comparative politics.