Democratic Life in Qatar: Shura Council

Abstract

Few studies have discussed political reform in the state of Qatar. The purpose of this political study is to identify Qatari Shura Council, scheduled for election in 2012, with reference to the current appointed Shura council. The study explains the history of Qatar's Shura councils, the establishment of the new council, its guarantees and conditions. It also evaluates the authorities and tasks of the new council. The researcher opted for a historical and analytical approach in analyzing research mechanism. Qatar's effort in enhancing political participation is a fine step, the study concludes, especially that the items of this constitution were set by the people themselves in a referendum carried out by the government in 2004. Through analyzing a number of legal texts, the study concludes that some of these texts like the Emir's obligatory objection to any decision guaranteed by Article 106 of the Constitution. According to this article, a decision cannot be stopped by the Emir if it was approved by the council's majority which is uncommon in political establishments in Qatar. Other results were achieved.