WORK continues successfully towards holding the country’s first Shura Council elections early next month. The Shura Council elections will be a giant leap towards promoting citizens participation in the decision making process.
The country’s wise leadership 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 elections has successfully undertaken voter and candidate registration, and has announced the preliminary list of candidates for the October 2 election. The preliminary list included 294 candidates, including 29 women, from 30 constituencies.
Complaints and objections to the preliminary candidate lists can be filed with the Candidates Committee at its headquarters set up at Qatar University until 8pm today (Thursday). Any candidate can file grievance if their candidacy application has been rejected. All other candidates and voters can also file objections to the candidacy of any candidate in their electoral district if they do not fulfill the conditions.
The Candidates Committee will review and adjudicate the complaints within seven days from the date of submission. However, candidates and voters whose grievances are rejected by the Supervisory Committee can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Chamber at the Court of Appeal without any fee within three days of being notified of the rejection of their grievances or after expiry of seven days without a response. The campaign period will start on September 15, after the announcement of final lists of candidates.
As per 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 Shura Council will consist of 45 members, 30 of whom will be elected by direct, general secret ballot, and the Amir shall appoint the remaining 15 members from amongst the ministers or any other persons. 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.
As the country moves forward by increasing public participation in the legislative process, all the honourable citizens of Qatar must contribute to making the Shura Council elections a success, by showing national unity and electing the most capable people to represent them in the Shura Council.
