Doha, Qatar: Experts and specialists have emphasized that participation in the Central Municipal Council elections is a right guaranteed by the country’s permanent constitution, a patriotic duty and a real opportunity to participate in the decision-making process by selecting members of the municipal council who have experience and competence to improve municipal services throughout the country.
They pointed out, in exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the importance of wide participation by all members of society in the electoral process and casting their votes in these elections in a way that enhances popular participation, explaining that the elections are one of the most important means of participation in public life and achieving the desired visions for the society's progress and development, noting the importance of reviewing the candidates’ programmes and comparing them on the ground in order to choose the right person to continue the path of municipal work in a way that meets aspirations and advances the public interest.
In this context, Vice-Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari said in a statement to QNA that participation in the electoral process is a right guaranteed by the constitution and the law, and is a manifestation of expressing the general will of the Qatari people. He added that participation In the municipal council elections is a mechanism that promotes participation in decision-making, by selecting the most qualified candidate in order to be able to raise the service levels for his constituency.
He stressed the importance of enhancing following-up on the service aspects in different constituencies, matters like paving roads, maintaining sewage networks, gardens, and many other services that need a qualified person with the ability to assume responsibility, calling on citizens to participate strongly in the electoral process to choose competent members of the municipal council who express his constituent’s needs.
For his part, Assistant Professor of Public Law at Qatar University Dr. Hamad Alhababi told QNA that achieving a successful electoral experience lies in the presence of the voter who is aware of the importance of his vote, which is part of the decision-making process, and selecting the best candidates. He added that active participation is reflected in the candidates discussion directly about his electoral programme and how it would be implemented.
Director of Gulf Studies Center Dr. Mahjoub Al Zuwairi said that the election process and directing voters to the polls is a positive practice in any society, noting that the municipal council elections in Qatar are conducted by direct vote according to rules that guarantee integrity and transparency. He stressed that the election process enhances the positive image that Qatar built during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar when it presented a shining example to the world.
Preparations are underway for the CMC elections in its seventh session, on June 22, in which 110 candidates will compete, including 4 women candidates. They will contest for 29 seats that represent the constituencies distributed in the various regions of the country.
