Just over two months after the elections, the 7th Session of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) commenced yesterday. A total of 102 candidates, including four women contested in the elections held in June for 27 constituencies out of 29. Two constituencies -- 27 and 28 were decided by acclamation.
Members of the Council have the freedom to raise issues and monitor the performance of the Ministry of Municipality. It is an independent Council elected by the Qatari people through free and direct balloting. Hence, their role and tasks are carried out without interference from the Ministry of Municipality.
Since the first CMC in 1999, the body has contributed through its recommendations and proposals to the country’s development process. It has interacted with various subjects of interest to the citizens and residents. It has been essential in activating the decisions and laws at the municipal level to serve the public interest.
The Council has the power to regulate laws, decisions and systems related to the Ministry. This includes laws and decisions related to building regulation, land allocations, roads, and shops, among others. The CMC can also examine the social, economic, administrative and financial plans for the municipal and agricultural affairs per the law.
At the opening session yesterday, the Minister of Municipality H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, expressed the Ministry’s aspiration to continue cooperating with the Central Municipal Council to serve the country and the citizens. He noted the Ministry’s commitment to support the Council to advance municipal work further.
Dr. Al Subaie highlighted the development across all municipalities and the achievements in recent years. He mentioned all Qatari cities obtaining the title (Healthy City) from the World Health Organization (WHO), making Qatar the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to achieve this status. He added that six Qatari cities joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Al Wakrah won the UNESCO Learning Cities Award 2021, and Al Daayen won the Arab Socially Responsible City Award for 2023.
As members of the Council took the legal oath, they also voted to choose a president and a vice-president. Mohammad bin Ali Al Athba emerged as the president of CMC for the 7th session, and Mubarak bin Fraish Al Salem as vice president.
With much expected of the current Council, there’s no doubt the citizens expect much from the newly elected members. They must continue to partner with relevant bodies in achieving the goals and aspirations they have been mandated with.
