Baghdad – IA
Qataris are preparing to vote in the first Shura Council elections in a symbolic move that is unlikely to change the balance of power in Qatar.
Elections will be held on October 2 to choose 30 members of the Shura Council out of 45 members.
Analysts say that the elections, although an unpopular gesture in the Gulf region, will not be a turning point in Qatar, which is increasingly in the spotlight due to its hosting of the soccer World Cup next year.
Middle East affairs analyst Andreas Krieg said, “It is important to understand that the ambition is not to establish a constitutional monarchy, but to increase participation” in society, explaining that “applying democratic standards is a mistake” in this case.
The Shura Council’s mission is to provide advice to the Emir of Qatar regarding draft laws, but it does not draft its own legislation. His duties include approving the budget and withdrawing confidence from ministers, but all of his decisions can be vetoed by an Emiri decree.
The streets of Doha and other Qatari cities were filled with billboards and billboards with pictures of the candidates smiling, wearing the Qatari national dress.
The candidates appeared on state television to rally support and talk about their electoral promises. In addition, election campaigns were also limited to organizing sessions with waiters distributing tea and Arabic coffee to listen to the candidates.
2024-04-14 11:38:37