Popular participation in decision-making, whether it is in governance of a country or any private organisation is very vital as the decisions made are directly affecting the citizens of a particular country or members of an organisation. In principle, those who are affected by a decision should have the right to be involved in the decision-making process. Public participation is a form of empowerment which is a vital part of democratic governance.
The visionary leaders of Qatar have realised the importance of popular participation in legislation and the country’s development as they are keen on empowering the citizens and make them active partners and participants in the state’s development journey, ensuring the wholesome welfare of every individual in the state whether it is child, youth, woman or elderly. In realisation of the vision of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as announced in his speech at the opening of the 49th session of Shura Council in 2020, the first legislative election to choose the members of the Shura Council was taken place on October 2, 2021.
As the first legislative term of the 50th annual session of the Shura Council concludes, it is time to look back and take stock of the achievements of the elected body. The elected Council did a commendable job in its first session as it dealt with several vital issues of interest to the country and citizens and made appropriate proposals about them to the government through its 35 plenary sessions and a number of meeting of its various committees.
On the legislative side, the Council discussed the legislative tool regulating the temporary expropriation and seizure of private property for public benefit, ownership of real estate by state accredited diplomatic missions, draft laws on social insurance and military retirement.
Topics such as proposals related to inflation, reluctance of Qatari citizens to join the teaching profession, negative aspects associated with marriage, opportunities for Qatari job seekers, promoting values and national identity underwent intense deliberations during the Council’s session. It also discussed and approved the Council’s organizational structure and personnel regulations and discussed the members’ electoral programmes. The council also discussed several other topics, including decree laws, draft laws, request for general discussion, reports of different committees etc.
In addition the Council also participated in several international forums and its representatives held discussion with visiting international dignitaries as the Shura Council is a member of several regional and international parliamentary unions. In a nut shell the first elected Shura Council could rise up to the expectations of the voters and others in general in the discharge of its duties and its active participation in decision making, always keeping the citizens and the country its top priority.
