Qatar to have direct election for parliament

Ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani, on Tuesday expressed his determination to launch a real democratic process in the country that will reach its peak in electing a parliament through a direct public voting.

AFP quoted Sheikh Hamad as saying at the opening of a new session of the Shoura council, which is composed of "appointed members" and was set up in 1972, that Qatar is involved in a democratic experience and is working relentlessly to establish its foundations."

He added that Qatar has to truly affiliate itself to its own age, added that this can be only attainable through consolidating the pillars of the state and institutions, through the rule of law, and honoring all views as long as these views aspire to serve the higher interests of the country.

The Qatari emir continued, "What has deepened our confidence in this attitude is what the country had witnessed last March when the first elections were made to choose members of the central municipal council through direct and free voting."

He asserted that the success of the democratic process is considered vital and important for the future of the country and the society. He said that in November 1998 he decided to establish a committee in charge of drawing up a permanent constitution for the country.

This committee will submit the results of its work to the emir of Qatar within a three-year period. It held its first meeting during July.