DOHA: A sitting member of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) who is seeking re-election has technically won over a month before the election to the civic body is due since no rival has challenged his bid.
Jassem Abdullah Al Malki, from Constituency No 1 (that includes New Doha) and present vice-chairman of the CMC, is the sole contestant in his ward this time.
He and five women are among 131 candidates who will be trying their luck in the CMC election due on May 13. The final list of the contestants was announced yesterday.
A supervisory committee for the CMC poll at the Ministry of Interior has said each candidate must personally seek its approval to kick off canvassing.
It has announced that use of slogans that try to fan sectarian or tribal passions is strictly banned.
The poll supervisory committee has a dedicated media panel with a Captain (Mubarak Al Boanain) heading it.
The panel, like in every CMC election held every four years, outlined the conditions for canvassing. “Don’t launch personal attack on your rival directly or indirectly at any cost”.
And no posters or banners can be used or election speeches can be given in religious places, government offices and schools. Slogans that hurt religious sentiments or are against social values and traditions of the Qatari community are banned.
Electric or telephone poll cannot be used to put up posters and banners.
Among the five women contestants, one is a sitting member, Sheikha Al Jefairi (from Old Airport ward), while the others include Fatima Al Kuwari, Fatima Al Ghazaal, Fatima Jisaimani, and the fifth and last one, Aamaal Al Mohannadi—all from different constituencies.
The Peninsula
