During its second session, one of the most prominent Shura Council achievements was the draft of its internal regulations, which, once finalized, will represent a significant leap in the Councils operations, acting as a roadmap for the Council to exercise all its constitutional powers.
The Shura Council plays a pivotal role in the local scene as a legislative authority, embodying the unity and cohesion between Qatar's wise leadership and people who have remained active partners in the countrys development process.
Since its establishment in 1972, the Shura Council has seen five Shura Council Speakers. HE Abdulaziz bin Khalid Al Ghanim (1972-1990), HE Ali bin Khalifa Al Hitmi (1990-1995), HE Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi (1995-2017), HE Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud (2017-2021), and current Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.
The history of the Shura Council dates back to 1972, with the issuance of the amended temporary statute on April 19, 1972, to organize the structures and institutions of the modern state including the Shura Council. The first Shura Council included 20 appointed members, with its composition being modified on several occasions.
Currently, the Shura Council comprises of 45 members, 30 of whom are elected by public secret direct ballot, while HH the Amir appoints the remaining 15 members from ministers or others. Membership in the Shura Council is terminated in the event of death, total disability, the expiration of the membership term, resignation, dismissal, or dissolution of the Council.
In November 2020, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced the holding of the first-ever elections in 2021. This step aligns with Qatar's ambitious policy to develop its legislative mechanisms by expanding the scope of popular participation to reflect the values of the Qatari Constitution and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The first legislative elections were held on Oct. 2, 2021, Saturday, to elect Shura Council members. Subsequently, on Oct. 14, 2021, HH the Amir issued Amiri Decision No. 56 of 2021 appointing 15 members of the Shura Council. The Councils term is set at four calendar years starting from the date of its first meeting.
In efforts to expand popular participation in the Shura Council and ensure its representation of all segments of society, the Council currently includes two female members, highlighting the important role of the Qatari woman in serving the country and society across all sectors. Qatari women have proven their competence in top administrative and scientific positions, contributing actively in various fields of the Qatari society.
The legislative authority in any contemporary political system is one of the three pillars. In Qatar, the Shura Council represents one of the two wings of the authority. Laws are only issued after drafts are reviewed and studied by the Council. Meanwhile, the other wing, the Cabinet, is responsible for proposing laws, preparing their drafts, and referring them to the Shura Council. (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency