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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)
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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.

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Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
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Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 

In an extraordinary virtual session held Sunday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, denouncing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter. The council urged an immediate return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing regional tensions.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the current escalation as “unprecedented,” pointing to the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory actions.

“These developments have sharply heightened tensions in the region,” he said, warning that they “open the door to uncertain and troubling scenarios.”

Albudaiwi revealed that in light of the unfolding crisis, the GCC Emergency Management Center had been activated to monitor and respond to potential consequences, particularly those involving Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“We acted swiftly and responsibly in recognition of the gravity of the situation,” he said, citing the danger of strikes on nuclear infrastructure and the potential for serious environmental and technical fallout.

Among the chief concerns raised during the meeting were the regional consequences of a broader escalation - especially any damage to nuclear sites - and the far-reaching impacts this could have on the environment, regional infrastructure, and the economic stability of Gulf states. The GCC also highlighted the risks to global supply chains, energy markets, and the security of key maritime corridors.

In a statement, the council emphasized that “until now, all technical indicators remain within safe limits,” adding that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Nonetheless, member states remain on high alert. “Full readiness and constant vigilance are essential in facing this volatile situation,” said Albudaiwi.

He also reaffirmed the council’s foundational values of unity, collective security, and regional stability. “The GCC was established on the principles of solidarity and joint action,” he said. “We continue to believe that stability is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.”

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, dialogue facilitation, and the avoidance of military escalation.

“We renew our call to all nations and actors to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further military action,” he said. “The region stands at the edge of a wider conflict that could spiral out of control, with consequences no one can predict or manage.”