Qataris turn out in large numbers to vote in historic Shura Council elections

Shura Council election

The first election of Shura Council began at 29 polling stations out of total 30 constituencies as a candidate for Constituency No. 5 is already elected unopposed. 

A total of 229 candidates, including 26 women are competing to win 30 of the 45 seats of the Shura Council. The other 15 members will be appointed by the Amir as stipulated in the Qatari Constitution.

Voters, especially women, turned out in large numbers in the early hours to vote in Qatar's first-ever legislative election on Saturday.

Candidates who gain the relative majority of eligible votes will be elected to the Shura Council, and in the case when two or more candidates have an equal number of votes, the head of the electoral committee could then cast his vote to decide the winner. 

The Council will enjoy legislative authority and approve general state policies and the budget.

Candidates who gain the relative majority of eligible votes will be elected to the Shura Council and in the case when two or more candidates have an equal number of votes, the head of the electoral committee could then cast his vote to decide the winner.

This is the second experience of free elections in the country after the Central Municipal Council polls.

It is worth noting that the Shura Council, over half a century, has had countless successes in previous sessions. That success will be the foundation for the newly-elected council, which marks the start of wider popular participation in the legislation and regulatory process.