Legislation enacted by a small election for a 45-member executive council of members sets out the rules for the October vote.
Qatar court approves Shura Council elections, scheduled for October, Qatar News Agency (QNA)
The by-elections to the 45-member executive council of members of parliament determine the rules on which voting will take place. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
In November last year, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ordered a committee vote preparation, after a delay of several years.
Qatari candidates can vote for 30 members of the Shura Council, while another 15 will be elected by the emir.
According to the law, civil servants are allowed to nominate themselves as members of the Shura Council and retain their jobs upon election.
The proposed law allows people to register to vote, to register electronically, and to set limits on the preparation for elections at QAR 2 million each. It will control where the money starts.
Those who are to be compelled must refrain from racial or religious expressions and must respect human traditions, customs and beliefs. Harassment or incitement in any way is also prohibited under this Act.
The Act incorporates principles that ensure that state and local journalists are not discriminated against in the media and treat all candidates.
Ministers, judges, all armed forces, and members of the Central Municipal Council have been barred from participating in the election, according to the record.
A committee headed by a judge appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council will oversee the voting and counting, as well as the announcement of results.
The law also provides for “severe penalties” in electoral cases, such as foreign interference, vote buying, or other violations of the law.
Following the elections, the powers of the Shura Council are expected to be expanded to include the possibility of removing the cabinet, approving the national budget and enacting legislation.
In neighboring United Arab Emirates, voters are elected by state officials.
Kuwait and Bahrain have both elected to parliament, which has different responsibilities, without any control. Government elections are in the hands of the Gulf Arab states.
