A referendum in Qatar to abolish the recently introduced legislative elections has been approved with over 90% of the votes, officials announced on Wednesday. The interior ministry reported that 90.6% of valid ballots cast by Qatari citizens supported a series of constitutional amendments.
Key Points:
Referendum Results: Eighty-four percent of eligible voters, out of approximately 380,000 Qataris, participated in the referendum held on Tuesday. This strong backing indicates a notable change in the nation’s political dynamics.
Constitutional Amendments: The vote ratified several constitutional changes, including the elimination of Shura Council elections. Consequently, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will once again appoint all members of the Shura Council.
Statements from Leadership: Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed his approval of the referendum outcomes. “By participating in the referendum and voting in favor of the constitutional amendments, Qataris have celebrated… the values of unity and justice,” he shared on X.
Implications:
Change in Governance: This decision signifies a return to the traditional practice of the Emir appointing Shura Council members, reflecting the nation’s desire for stability and continuity in governance.
Public Participation: The high voter turnout showcases strong engagement from Qatari citizens in the political process, emphasizing the significance of their collective voice in shaping the future of the country.
Next Steps: Going forward, the Qatari government will put the approved amendments into action, moving away from the brief experiment with legislative elections.
