In implementation of the provisions of the Qatari Constitution and Qatar National Vision 2030 and with aims of enhancing the participation of citizens in the decision-making process, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued law on the issuance of the Shura Council’s Electoral System law and a decree defining the electoral districts of the Shura Council and their respective regions.
As per the new law, approved by H H the Amir, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also issued three decisions: one to form the candidates’ committee, and the system and controls for its work; second specifying the sources of financing electoral campaigns and the controls and procedures for supervising it and third to form the voters’ committee and the system and controls for its work.
For its part and in line with Electoral System law, the Ministry of interior defined the conditions that the voter must meet, and procedures for registration applications through the Metrash2 app, or by text message, or by personally attending to one of the thirty electoral headquarters.
Thus the State has completed its preparations and requirements for organizing elections by issuing all the laws and decisions needed, and opened the door for registration for nomination and candidacy to organize the first legislative election in October, which will see Qataris elect Shura Council for the first time.
These laws and decisions related to the Shura Council elections represent a legislative and organizational guarantee to facilitate and ensure integrity of the electoral process. The right way of beginning will establish solid transparent ground for fair electoral system by presenting these steps and procedures as a model for future good practices in managing the election process.
As per the law, the Shura Council will have legislative authority and approve general state policies and the budget. It will also exercise control over the executive, except for bodies defining defence, security, economic and investment policies.
After completing all the preparations in terms of legislative, logistic supplies to ensure fair and transparent elections, the final decision remains for the citizen to choose those whom they see competent and able to serve the country and this is a responsibility that will not be lesser important than any other responsibilities that citizens have towards their country and its people.
Therefore there is a need for everyone to give priority to the supreme interest of the country to choose the best candidates in the voting stage to make the Shura Council a true representative of the will of the citizens, while expanding the popular participation in decision-making and develop legislative system.
