The preparations to hold country’s first Shura Council elections have entered the final phase as the Supervisory Committee for the elections announced the final list of candidates yesterday. More than 280 candidate are in the run for 30 Shura Council seats from 30 constituencies. The elected body will consist of 45 members, with 15 members to be appointed by H H the Amir. A total of 28 women candidates are also in the competition.
The country’s wise leadership had announced the elections as per the State of Qatar’s Permanent Constitution issued in 2005, which lays down the basis of democratic rule in the country, establishes the fundamental foundations of community, and guarantees citizens’ rights and freedoms.
The Supervisory Committee for the Shura Council elections has successfully undertaken the voter and candidate registration and adjudicating the grievances and complaints, among other preparations, over the past weeks.
After the publication of final lists, candidates can launch their campaigns, which can run until a day before the polling process on October 02. The authorities have allotted 14 venues with all facilities for candidates to hold campaign events free of charge. According to rules laid down by the Supervisory Committee, candidates must respect the provisions of the Constitution during their campaign. Official state emblem or symbols cannot be used by the candidates while campaigning.
As per the rules, licensed media organisations must uphold objectivity and impartiality in their coverage and treat all candidates equally. While holding general election meetings or gatherings, the candidates must notify the local security department beforehand, and must also remove all advertisements, posters, electoral flyers, and other campaign materials within three days of the end of the electoral process.
It is also prohibited to organise electoral meetings, give speeches, or place posters, advertisements, or pictures in places of worship and religious centres, educational facilities, government facilities, and inside or within 200 metres of an election hall.
Under the country’s Constitution, the incoming Shura Council members will have important duties to perform. Being the legislative authority, the Shura Council will approve the general policy of the government and the budget, and will also exercise control over the executive authority as specified in the Constitution. The term of office of the Shura Council shall be four calendar years commencing from the date of the first meeting, and the election of a new Council will be conducted during the last 90 days of the aforementioned term.
The Shura Council elections will increase public participation in the decision making and legislative process and will be a giant leap in country’s march towards a more prosperous future.
