The Shura Council celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday, a very momentous occasion as it also marks the journey of Qatar in nation-building as it engaged the citizens in managing their country’s affairs.
The journey which began in 1972 had seen many important steps along the way, which showed the keenness of the country’s leadership in popular participation in decision-making.
Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, during the celebration, underlined the “wise leadership’s belief in the popular engagement in setting the legislations which are candidly embodied in many places, including Article 1 of the Provisional Basic Law of 1970, the Amended Provisional Basic Law of 1972, and in the country’s permanent constitution promulgated in 2004.”
Late H H Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in 1972, amended the provisional statute issued on April 2, 1970, which stipulated the regulation of the powers in the state and established a Shura council that contributes to enacting the laws. Later in 2004, in a historic and important step, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani issued the permanent constitution of the State of Qatar after it received 97.66 percent of votes in a referendum.
The Speaker also commended the special care received by the council from the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which is demonstrated in amending the composition of the council and appointing four women as the first female members of the council in 2017. Holding elections last year for two-thirds of Council members through voting for the first time in the council’s history.
Setting up the Shura Council and nurturing it by making it an important body through which it the people’s participation in decision-making is ensured and encouraged shows the thoughtfulness of the country’s leadership. This council also helps the country benefit from the use of its vast experience of members in bringing in new legislation and changes.
Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council H E Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, during the celebration, talked about the historical march of the Council, since its establishment in 1972, when it had 20 members, until now with 45 members, most of whom elected directly, affirming that the gradual development in the council’s march was in line with the requirements of each stage.
As the name Shura suggests, the Council is a place of “consultations” where every vital law and legal instrument are discussed threadbare and inputs are taken before approval is given, thus ensuring the engagement of the citizens in every aspect of the developments and progress the country achieves.
