Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the referral of proposed constitutional amendments, including the return to appointing members of the Shura Council, to the Council for consideration.

Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's fourth ordinary session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said: “Based on my responsibility and duty towards my country and my people for the good of the present and the future, I considered that these amendments fulfill the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among members of Qatari society.”

“I have directed that the draft constitutional and legislative amendments, including a return to the system for appointing members of the Shura Council, are to be referred to your esteemed Council for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.

“The Council of Ministers will take necessary measures on proposed amendments to laws and other legislative instruments in accordance with the law,” he said, reminding that the Shura Council is not a representative parliament in a democratic system, and its status and powers will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment.

The proposed amendments will be put to a public vote and will shift from an electoral system back to appointments.

Sheikh Tamim added that “there are many ways to consult with the Qatari people” and acknowledged that competition among Shura Council candidates occurs within families and tribes, affecting local traditions and social cohesion.

On October 1, 2021, Qatar conducted its first legislative elections since the Shura Council was established in 1972.

The Shura Council is the country’s legislative body. It discusses matters referred by the cabinet, including proposed laws and state policies, reviews the national budget, and asks ministers questions for clarification.

The Council can also make recommendations to the government on public policies. However, it does not have authority over defense, security, economic, or investment matters.



UAE Says it Thwarts Illegal Attempt to Transfer Ammunition to Sudan's Army

People walk around a bus stop in the capital Khartoum's southern neighbourhood of al-Kalakla on April 29, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
People walk around a bus stop in the capital Khartoum's southern neighbourhood of al-Kalakla on April 29, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
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UAE Says it Thwarts Illegal Attempt to Transfer Ammunition to Sudan's Army

People walk around a bus stop in the capital Khartoum's southern neighbourhood of al-Kalakla on April 29, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
People walk around a bus stop in the capital Khartoum's southern neighbourhood of al-Kalakla on April 29, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

UAE state media reported on Wednesday that security services had thwarted an attempt by Sudanese military leaders and others to illegally transfer ammunition to Sudan's army.

The report by the WAM news agency said authorities had found about five million rounds of ammunition on a private plane at an airport and had made a number of arrests.
The WAM report said the plan to supply weapons had involved a group which included Sudan's former intelligence chief, Salah Gosh.

"The defendants were arrested during an inspection of ammunition in a private aircraft at one of the country’s airports," a statement by WAM said.

"The plane was carrying approximately five million rounds of 7.54 x 62 mm Goryunov-type ammunition," it added.