Voters headed in Qatar Today, to the polls to vote on the draft constitutional amendments for the year 2024, based on the Emiri Decree issued by the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Inviting all citizens to participate in a general referendum on amendments to Permanent Constitution To the state.
Before opening the boxes, the General Committee for the Referendum had completed all the necessary preparations, arrangements and procedures to receive the opinions of Qatari citizens inside and outside the country who had completed 18 years of age.
The General Referendum Committee seeks to facilitate the process of Qataris expressing their opinions for the success of the referendum process, by opening the committees from seven in the morning until seven in the evening, local time, to vote on paper through ballot boxes.
Steps for voting via the Metrash2 application in the referendum on the draft constitutional amendments for the year 2024 to the permanent constitution of the State of Qatar #Labih_His_Prince#Referendum_2024#Interior_Qatar pic.twitter.com/g7aRme72Z6
– Ministry of Interior – Qatar (@MOI_Qatar) November 4, 2024
Remote voting
The committee also made it possible to vote electronically via tablet devices (iPad), by attending in person at one of the announced referendum headquarters that are spread throughout all regions of the country. The methods also include “remote” voting using the “Metrash 2” application from inside and outside the country.
The vote will be a choice between “yes” or “no” on the amended constitutional texts, provided that the referendum committees begin counting and counting the votes, and the result will be announced within 24 hours of the end of the vote.
Steps for electronic voting at the headquarters of the referendum committees on the draft constitutional amendments of 2024 to the permanent constitution of the State of Qatar #Labih_His_Prince#Referendum_2024#Interior_Qatar pic.twitter.com/XX6pCsiLzm
– Ministry of Interior – Qatar (@MOI_Qatar) November 4, 2024
Modified materials
The constitutional amendments being voted on include replacing the texts of Articles “1”, “7”, “13”, “74”, “77”, “80”, “81”, “83”, and “86”, “103”, “104”, “114”, “117”, and “150” of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, in addition to the addition of Article “75 bis” and Article “125/last paragraph” And abolition of Articles 78, 79, and 82 of the Constitution.
Among the most important draft amendments to the articles of the Constitution are the following: Article No. “1” in the proposed text became “Qatar is an independent, sovereign Arab state. Its religion is Islam, and Islamic law is a main source of its legislation, its system is democratic, based on Shura, justice, and the rule of law, and its official language is The Arabic language. The people of Qatar are part of the Arab nation.”
After the same article stated: “Qatar is an independent, sovereign Arab state. Its religion is Islam, and Islamic law is a main source of its legislation, its system is democratic, and its official language is Arabic. The people of Qatar are part of the Arab nation.”
As for Article No. 77, the proposed text was as follows: “The Shura Council shall consist of no less than 45 members, and the members shall be appointed by an Emiri decision,” after “The Shura Council shall consist of 45 members. 30 of them shall be elected by direct secret public ballot.” The Emir appoints the other 15 members, whether ministers or others, and the membership of those appointed in the Shura Council ends with their resignation or dismissal.
#video | #Referendum_2024 | Colonel Dr. Jabr Hamoud Al Nuaimi, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Interior: Based on the Emiri decree that guaranteed the right to referendum for all citizens, the Ministry of Interior will enable those with restricted freedom or those awaiting the issuance of judgments against them to exercise this right and participate… pic.twitter.com/dxI3U3y7fe
– Qatari Al-Raya (@alraya_n) November 4, 2024
As for Article No. 80, the proposed text reads: “A member of the Shura Council must meet the following conditions”:
- Must be of Qatari nationality.
- To be fluent in the Arabic language, reading and writing.
- He must not have been convicted of a crime prejudicial to honor or trust, unless he has been rehabilitated in accordance with the law.
- He must be a person of knowledge or opinion or have competence and experience.
After it was: “A member of the Shura Council must meet the following conditions”
- His original nationality must be Qatari.
- His age at the closing of the nomination window must not be less than 30 Gregorian years.
- To be fluent in the Arabic language, reading and writing.
- He must not have been convicted of a crime prejudicial to honor or trust, unless he has been rehabilitated in accordance with the law.
- It must meet the conditions of being a voter in accordance with the electoral law.
Second referendum
The current referendum is the second in the history of Qatar after the first referendum held in the country in 2003 to approve the draft permanent constitution in the country. The constitution was approved and approved after the results of the referendum appeared.
The Qatar News Agency stated that the constitutional amendments being voted on today embody the depth of the relationship of communication and consultation that has existed since time immemorial between the ruler and the people, a relationship throughout history that has been and still is exemplary, governed by deep-rooted customs and traditions, requiring everyone to be responsible and participate actively and positively. In achieving more achievements and gains.
Source : The island + Qatar News Agency (QNA)
