Qatari municipal elections date set

Qatar has announced that municipal elections will be held in the country during March, 1999.

The ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani, was quoted as saying in a decree released on Monday that municipal council elections will be held on March 8, 1999. He promised vast public contributions in these elections.

Qatari dailies reported on Tuesday that nominations for the election will start as of December 15. Qatari men and women above the age of 18 are permitted to cast their votes in the elections, and those over the age of 25 can nominate themselves for these elections.

This is the first time in the history of Qatar that such elections will take place.