Deputy Chairman of the NHRC Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari addresses the audience during an awareness event for the CMC elections. PIC: Abdul Basit
Doha, Qatar: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) yesterday urged voters to observe their civic duties and vote in the 7th session of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) elections on June 22. The NHRC held an awareness session on the responsibilities of voters and candidates before and during the voting process.
During his presentation, Deputy Chairman of the NHRC Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari said every citizen should go to the ballot box because it would reflect positively on the society. He stressed that effective participation means choosing the most competent candidates and avoiding all kinds of intolerance and hate speech.
“We are certain that our voice represents our integrity which must also be given to those who deserve it,” Dr. Al Kuwari stressed. He also highlighted the role of council members after the elections.
Dr. Al Kuwari noted that the right to run for office is a right guaranteed under the provisions of the permanent constitution of the State of Qatar in 2004.
He disclosed that the law guarantees that elections take place over specified periods to ensure that the will of voters across the municipal councils is highlighted to ensure everyone participates in governance.
He discussed some procedures to prevent voting more than once and deputising votes for the election process.
Speaking to the media, he also called on women to come out to vote while expressing his surprise at the low participation of women as candidates. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced 110 CMC election aspirants; only four women are vying for positions.
“We need the women to choose and pick the right candidate notwithstanding the candidate’s family or whether they are rich. We need to go to the election halls and choose the candidate who is qualified, educated and committed to improving and implementing realistic programmes.”
On the other hand, the Assistant Director of the Human Rights Department at MoI, Lt. Col. Saad Salem Al Dosari, said the Ministry is committed to awareness campaigns that would promote the culture of electoral participation among citizens and encourage them to carry out this responsibility.
Speaking on the tasks of CMC members, Lt. Col Al Dosari said the members’ duties include progressing the country’s municipal affairs by monitoring the implementation of laws, decisions and regulations related to the powers and competencies of the Ministry of Municipality and making recommendations regarding the issuance of laws or taking any actions or measures that the council deems necessary or beneficial for the public interest.
The election campaign is now open with the announcement of candidates. According to the law, the campaign phase will begin from the day of announcing the final lists of candidates until 24 hours before the votes are cast. The Ministry has also announced guidelines for campaigns, advertisements, and slogans.
Secretary-General of the NHRC, Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, also stated that the discussion is part of the NHRC’s campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the right to vote and run for office. He noted the previous workshop, which discussed the mechanisms and criteria for election and candidacy following national and international standards.
