The regulations in the upcoming Shura Council draft law are set to guarantee a fair and equal opportunity election among the nominees, a number of Qatari experts in the field and lawyers have pointed out. They told local Arabic daily 'Arrayah' that the conditions for the candidates promoting themselves during the election campaign include limiting the spending of any candidate to QR2mn, subject to the control of the entities concerned. This would eventually spare the voters from any bias caused by overspending. Other related terms include the criminalisation of any foreign financing for the candidates and any possible acts of buying votes.
Dr Khalid al-Moftah, an academic researcher, pointed out that the draft law aims to maintain the integrity and legality of the election process and agrees with the related stipulations of the Qatari constitution. He explained that the draft law has specified all the key issues related to the process. Further, it strongly reflects the basic values of justice and equality among citizens and giving them equal opportunities. It also guarantees a transparent and fair election process, which achieves the aspiration of the people in the society.
Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, international ambassador of social responsibility of the CSR Regional Network, explained that the draft law focused on limiting campaign spending of each candidate to only QR2mn with the ultimate aim to avoid any external influences that could undermine the choice of the best and most qualified for the job, while guaranteeing equal opportunity among the candidates. This also gives room among the voters to consider the validity and practicality of the ideas, views and projects of the candidates and assess them accordingly.
Dr Mansur al-Yafaei, legal researcher, said that the draft law was keen to expand community participation among the members of the society at the upcoming Shura Council elections, in addition to giving the highly qualified and capable candidates better opportunities.
Dr Ali al-Mohannadi, legal researcher, observed Qatar has been establishing the principle of people's participation through issuing a law that regulates the process of voting and election at the Shura Council, which agrees with the principles and articles of the Qatari constitution. He stressed that the regulations included in the draft law would guarantee a wide popular participation in the voting process, limiting the role of money and propaganda through the election campaign and the legal tools embedded in the law.
Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, international ambassador of social responsibility of the CSR Regional Network, explained that the draft law focused on limiting campaign spending of each candidate to only QR2mn with the ultimate aim to avoid any external influences that could undermine the choice of the best and most qualified for the job, while guaranteeing equal opportunity among the candidates. This also gives room among the voters to consider the validity and practicality of the ideas, views and projects of the candidates and assess them accordingly.
Dr Mansur al-Yafaei, legal researcher, said that the draft law was keen to expand community participation among the members of the society at the upcoming Shura Council elections, in addition to giving the highly qualified and capable candidates better opportunities.
Dr Ali al-Mohannadi, legal researcher, observed Qatar has been establishing the principle of people's participation through issuing a law that regulates the process of voting and election at the Shura Council, which agrees with the principles and articles of the Qatari constitution. He stressed that the regulations included in the draft law would guarantee a wide popular participation in the voting process, limiting the role of money and propaganda through the election campaign and the legal tools embedded in the law.