HE the former Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Sulaiti stressed that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's issuance of the laws and decrees regulating the Shura Council elections and determining its powers represents a legal safeguard to ensure the success of the elections.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency, he said that the Amir was keen on expanding popular participation in the elections based on Qatar's permanent constitution that was approved by the citizens in 2003. He stressed that the wise leadership believes in the importance of expanding participation in public service, in order to build the state's institutions.
HE al-Sulaiti said the Amir consulted dignitaries and prominent figures in Qatar prior to issuing the law and the full potential of the Shura Council will be realised through a gradual approach to reach that goal.
He said the elected Shura Council conveys the efforts of the wise leadership to expand popular participation in decision-making, urging the people of Qatar to play their positive and constructive role in public service, and to engage in oversight efforts of the work of the legislative authority.
"I see that the current 30 electoral districts is a fair division that guarantees equal representation for all the people of Qatar, taking into account the interests of all, away from narrow interests and tribalism. In many electoral districts, we find more than one tribe and it is not dedicated to a particular party. The people of Qatar are united in being part of one tribe called the tribe of Qatar."
He said the composition of the new Shura Council - 30 elected and 15 appointed members - contributes to expanding popular participation in decision-making, governance, and administration. It also combines between free popular representation and benefiting from those with expertise, creating a good mixture of opinions and engagement in the council.
HE al-Sulaiti urged the young people to participate in this year's election. "Any young man or woman who is eligible must engage in the electoral process, whether by running for a seat or by electing a candidate. That is simply because they are the future, and they can engage actively with the leadership in the coming period. I'd also be delighted to see our young people as members of the Shura Council, as it represents the people of Qatar that are of all ages and not just a particular generation."