The General Referendum Committee has successfully completed all necessary preparations and procedures to hold the referendum on constitutional amendments scheduled for tomorrow. This significant event is grounded in Decree No. (87) of 2024, which underscores the strong bond between the Qatari people and their leadership. It reflects a shared commitment to fostering national unity, social cohesion, and steadfast adherence to the cherished values and deeply rooted principles that have guided the nation throughout its history.
The Qatari people remember well when the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani issued on 13 July 1999, Decree to form a committee to prepare a permanent constitution for the State of Qatar.
In a historic speech delivered on that occasion, His Highness explained that the constitution is the basic document that must include the fundamental principles guiding the state's policy in various fields, organising its authorities, its system of government, defining public rights and duties, and emphasising the Gulf, Arab and Islamic affiliation. The Permanent Constitution Preparation Committee consisted of 32 members of Qatari experts, academics and intellectuals. The committee was able to complete the task and deliver the draft constitution to H H the Father Amir on 2 July 2002.
Qataris were to express their opinion on the draft constitution in a public referendum which was held on 29 April 2003. The result of the referendum was 96.6 per cent approval of the draft constitution. The constitution came into force a year after its promulgation, in June 2005.
As the process of amending and changing articles of Constitutions is an ongoing process, to which the State has recourse whenever the necessity and national need arises to enable the Constitution to keep pace with the developments and changes witnessed by society and its needs in all aspects of life.
Therefore, the constitutional amendments are warmly welcomed by the citizens; represent a collaborative effort that saw constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive branches. This process began when the draft amendments were presented to the Shura Council and culminated in unanimous approval by the Council members. This cooperation is marked by a shared dedication to realizing the vision of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who emphasizes the paramount importance of national unity. His vision champions the principles of justice, consultation, and the rule of law, and it actively promotes the values of equal citizenship, where rights and duties are equally honored among all.
The amendments reflect a commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law across all spheres of life, aligning with the aspirations of Qatari citizens for a brighter future within a safe, cohesive, and harmonious society. This unity fosters a sense of shared purpose, aiming to protect Qatar from divisiveness and reinforce the state’s foundations based on equality, justice, and legal integrity.
