Aspiring candidates submitting applications to register their candidacy at the headquarters of the Candidates' Committee at Qatar University. PIC: Hussein Sayed
The Candidates’ Committee continues receiving citizens aspiring to register as candidates for the upcoming Shura Council elections at its headquarters at Qatar University.
The process of receiving applications will continue until tomorrow (Thursday). The last three days witnessed a large number of aspirants registering their candidacy.
Aspiring candidates expect a large voter turnout on the polling day, as this would be the first ever elections for the Shura Council in the country's history.
This democratic exercise presents an opportunity for citizens to participate in the decision-making process. The next Shura Council will have more powers compared to the previous one. It can summon ministers, issue and amend laws and monitor the government's work.
Among important topics in the election programmes of those wishing to run in the elections are issues related to women and youth, as well as environmental issues.Their programmes also include following up on public projects, protecting public money, as well as upholding freedom of opinion.
The applicants have also praised ease and smoothness of the registration process. Lahdan Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, a citizen who has nominated himself as candidate for constituency No 20, said: “There is good organisation of work by the Candidates’ Committee. The procedures in general are easy and quick. Waiting time is just around five to 10 minutes.”
He said the Shura Council elections are an important opportunity for popular participation in decision-making process and in changing and amending laws.
“The upcoming Council may need many new rules and regulations and the new members have many powers granted to them by the Constitution. But it is upon new elected members to know how to use these powers.
They can propose laws, monitor the government and the public budget. These are the most important things in today’s democratic world.”
Another aspiring candidate, a woman, said: “We came to represent women in the Shura Council to raise issues related to women and youth.
“If I am fortunate enough to succeed in the upcoming elections, there are important programmes that I will work on that concern women and youth in particular.”
The final lists of candidates will be announced on September 15.
