Status: 03.10.2021 01:09 p.m.
In Qatar, the Shura assembly, which is to advise the emir, has been elected for the first time. 26 of the more than 200 candidates were women – according to the Interior Ministry, however, none made it to the council.
In the Gulf Emirate of Qatar, the advisory Shura assembly was elected in the first nationwide vote – at least 30 of the 45 members. The remaining 15 are chosen by Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The turnout was 63.5 percent, said the Interior Ministry. More than 200 candidates ran in 30 constituencies, including 26 women. However, according to official results, only men were elected to the Shura council.
“Historic achievement” in the monarchy
The shura has limited powers. It can approve the budget, supervise the work of ministers and initiate laws. But every decision needs a two-thirds majority and has to be ratified by the emir.
Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa al-Thani praised the election as a “historic achievement” in the absolute monarchy: the emir is responsible for the executive and legislative branches in the Gulf emirate. Political parties are banned. The election was made possible by a constitutional amendment in 2004, but has since been postponed several times.
No right to vote for everyone
In the run-up, there had been criticism and even isolated protests against the vote. Because only a minority of the population was allowed to participate. Only Qataris whose families were resident in the emirate before 1930 have the right to vote. About every fifth Qatari is excluded. All foreigners – around 90 percent of the population – are left out anyway.
The authoritarian emirate is repeatedly criticized internationally for human rights violations. NGOs accuse Qatar of exploiting migrant workers. For example, in the run-up to the soccer World Cup, which will take place in November and December 2022.