The ruler of Bahrain has been proclaimed king and the tiny Gulf island state a constitutional monarchy, a major step in democratic reforms. The emir, Sheik Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, immediately called national elections for a legislative body in October and municipal elections in May. Constitutional amendments drawn by a committee the king had appointed following a referendum a year ago to the day called for a constitutional monarchy in Bahrain, which has been ruled solely by the Al Khalifa family. The referendum had called for a monarchy and an elected legislature. It won an overwhelming 98.4 percent of the popular vote.