Qataris approve a new constitution
Qatar, Politics, 4/30/2003

With a great majority, the Qataris yesterday approved a constitution which makes the state of Qatar more democratic.

The Qatari minister of the interior, Sheikh Hamad Bin Nasser al-Thani, said that the voters approved the constitution with the majority of 96.6 percent during a referendum held yesterday during which 68,987 voters voted "yes" while 274 cards were considered void.

The proposed constitution is the latest step in the political reform held by the Amir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani who vowed to permit people's participation since he had toppled his father in a peaceful coupe in 1995.

Qatar's minister of foreign affairs Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jaber al-Thani said after casting his vote that what is taking place of " a historical achievement in the march of Qatar.

The new constitution states the establishment of a parliament in which people elect the majority of the members. It also guarantees the basic rights especially to self expression, gathering and religion in Qatar.

Voting yes in this referendum paves the way for holding elections expected in the year 2004 to choose a Shoura council or a parliament composed of 45 members, 30 of its members are elected and the Amir of Qatar appoints 15 of them.

The draft constitution states three branches the executive, legislative and judicial and the executive authorities is to stay in the hands of the Amir and his government.

Previous Stories:
  Qatari citizens start vote on referendumÊ   (4/28/2003)
  Al-Assad meets with Qatar's foreign minister   (4/22/2003)
  Qatar pursues steps towards democracy   (4/21/2003)

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