Doha: On April 29, 2003, the Qataris started an important historical stage in the country’s march towards progress and building a state of law and institutions, as they attended polling stations to hold a referendum on Qatar’s first permanent constitution.
The permanent constitution came within the framework of a forward-looking vision and sincere determination to build a modern and effective state, which had to enter the 21st century with all its challenges and complexities regionally and internationally with determination, strength and firmness, as Qatar is today under the wise leadership of H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Qataris, who lived through and participated in the making of this achievement, proudly remember this unique event, when they roamed the streets with their vehicles to celebrate the constitution document that was put to a referendum, surrounded by many decorative features and banners that were raised on this occasion. Various official and civil bodies organised several political, cultural and intellectual events on the draft constitution. Also, the local and international media mobilised all their capabilities to cover this event.
Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Obaidan, former professor of political science at Qatar University, who was a member of the Committee for the Preparation of the Permanent Constitution, describes this event by saying that it was a historic moment that formed a new phase of political and constitutional development in the country. He stressed that this constitution was part of the great reform project led by H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, according to careful and gradual steps, after the country had been under the amended political system for a period of up to three decades.
Dr. Al Obaidan added that H H the Amir wanted the country to enter a new phase after great events took place that affected the development of the country in various political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual aspects, so there must be a constitution that responds to the requirements of the times.
The first stages of preparing the draft began on July 13, 1999, with the issuance of Amiri Decision No. 11 to form a committee to prepare a permanent constitution for the state. The committee consisted of 32 members of Qatari experts, intellectuals, and academics. On July 2, 2002, H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani received the draft permanent constitution.
On April 15, 2003, H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani met with Their Excellencies members of the ruling family, the Speaker of the Shura Council, the ministers, the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, members of the Shura Council, notables and dignitaries to inform them of holding a public referendum on the draft permanent constitution.
On the same day, the Amiri Decree was issued inviting citizens to a referendum on the draft constitution, and the decree called on Qatari men and women to participate in approving the country’s constitution by expressing their opinion on the draft constitution, in a public referendum that would take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2003. The decree also stipulates that a committee called the referendum general committee will be established in the Ministry of Interior, headed by H E the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, to oversee the referendum process and announce its results.
On the eve of the referendum on the draft permanent constitution of the state, H H the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, addressed the Qatari people and spelt out his vision for building a modern state and outlined his ambition to build a prosperous and stable state made of faith and ethics, relies on science and knowledge, and ruled with justice and the constitution.
In the same speech, His Highness affirmed that the permanent constitution establishes the foundations of society, regulates state affairs, embodies popular participation, builds democratic institutions, consolidates belonging to the homeland, affirms duties and guarantees rights and freedoms.
The referendum on the draft constitution was held on April 29, 2003, and the polling stations saw a remarkable turnout, which reflected the people’s response to His Highness’ speech. The result of the referendum was in favour of the draft constitution, with 96.6 percent of the vote. The historic event also enjoyed extensive coverage from local and international media.
Dr. Al Obaidan indicated that the committee made tremendous efforts to complete the draft constitution within the time period set at three years, adding that the committee reviewed many visions and ideas, utilising experiences and expertise,of constitutional and legal experts from different countries.
He stressed that the committee was keen for the constitution to come out in the form that the country’s leadership and people aspire to; have a new character that reflects the Qatari reality; derive its strength from the established customs and heritage of Qatar and contribute to the nation’s progress towards prosperity and advancement. The Qatari Constitution received the blessing and approval of the majority of the Qatari people in the referendum held on April 29, 2003.
The Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar was issued on June 8, 2004, including the essential principles for building a modern state, as it affirmed the Arab-Islamic identity of the state; defined the foundations of governance and the basic components of the Qatari society; accurately balanced rights and duties; laid the foundations for free economic activity and indicated that the system of government is based on the separation of authorities with their cooperation in the manner indicated in the articles of the constitution. The Constitution came into effect a year after the date of its promulgation, i.e. in June 2005.
The permanent constitution replaced the provisional statute of governance issued in 1970, which was amended on April 19, 1972, to comply with the profound transformations that the country encountered in the light of the independence and the beginning of a comprehensive era of renaissance. Some Amiri decisions were also issued during the years 1995 and 1996 to amend some provisions of the statute.
What should be noted in this context is that the year 1999, which witnessed the formation of the Committee for the Preparation of the Permanent Constitution of the State, was also a landmark year in the contemporary history of Qatar. On March 8, that year, the country experienced the first elections by direct ballot to select members of the Central Municipal Council, which was described as the first house of democracy in the State of Qatar, in a step that represented a serious trend towards enhancing popular participation in decision-making and building strong democratic institutions that contribute to building the nation.
Today, the twentieth anniversary of the referendum on the constitution coincides with the launch of the first stages of the electoral process for the elections of the seventh session of the Central Municipal Council, scheduled to begin on April 30 with the voter registration, in a scene that confirms the extent of the entrenchment of the democratic process with its various institutional and organisational elements, as well as the firm conviction that popular participation in decision-making is a foundation for construction, development, and a launch towards horizons of progress and prosperity.
In light of this achievement represented in the permanent constitution of the state, the wise leadership directed the mobilisation of all energies and capabilities to build visions and strategies that translate the aspirations and hopes of the Qatari people, and translate the provisions of the constitution that contain the foundations and pillars of progress and advancement.
Translating this serious approach, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2007 ordered the preparation the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, which was approved in 2008.
A vision that aims to make the State of Qatar, by 2030, an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring the continuation of a decent livelihood for its people, and coming generations.
