New era of popular participation and national unity will be inaugurated by the newly elected Shura Council.
Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is keen to promote popular participation through an elected Shura Council that expresses the will of the people and serves as a link between the people and members of the government, says former Shura Council deputy speaker Issa Rabea Al Rabea Al Kuwari.
H.H. the Amir is always interested in holding a “people’s session” and meeting people of opinion to listen to their aspirations, requests, and suggestions, Al Kuwari said in an exclusive interview with QNA.
As a result, he said, the newly elected Shura Council will usher a new chapter in its illustrious history. The new Shura Council will work to achieve its goals, including by implementing plans, enacting laws, and meeting the aspirations of all members of society.
H.H. the Amir, according to Al Kuwari, places national unity at the top of his priority list, and if these elections cause divisions and destabilise national unity, the Amir will take appropriate action. “Solidarity and cohesion among members of society and the Shura Council will make this election a success that reflects Qatari society’s growth and awareness,” he said.
Using his experience and long-standing expertise in the legislative work, the former Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council responded that the election law stipulated the conditions that must be met by a candidate, including age, good conduct, and education.
He or she should also have a thorough understanding of the Qatari constitution, including the obligations and duties it imposes on the three authorities in Qatar, as well as the Council’s powers and limitations, as well as their legal powers. Finally, the public interest and upholding of society’s values must be a candidate’s ultimate objective.
He also stressed the importance of having a major role in preparing an electoral programme that he can translate on the ground, and staying away from difficult promises in order to convince voters, stressing the importance of electoral programmes as the most important means of persuading the electorate.
Remember that when he decided to engage in public work and was nominated for membership in the Shura Council, he became a servant to his country, his people, and everyone who resides on this good land.
He stressed that being a member of the Shura Council is a mandate, not an honour and that he must work hard for the advancement and development of his country, as well as the comfort and well-being of his people and everyone else who lives in Qatar. If he does not, those who brought him to the Council will publicly hold him accountable.
Al Kuwari emphasised that the upcoming legislative elections are a manifestation of transparency and social justice pursued by the State of Qatar in various fields, and come to consolidate this comprehensive approach to managing public life.
A number of state institutions have been working to raise awareness of the importance of the elected Shura Council by holding seminars, simulating council sessions, and other activities.
“Electoral awareness” is a national responsibility, according to Al Kuwari, and is demonstrated by understanding the election law, selecting the qualified candidate without regard to compliments, and the willingness of the elected Shura member to serve the citizen without regard to personal interests.
He concluded by saying that Qatari society is based on well-established traditions of fair and rational governance that is linked to the people by allegiance, loyalty relations, mutual trust, and direct communication between leadership and the community, expressing confidence that wise leadership relies on society’s awareness to conscientiously make decisions.
The Qatari society is known for its interdependence, intermingling, and strong national cohesion under a single flag, which is Qatar.
