Qatar Holds First Legislative Elections

A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)
A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)
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Qatar Holds First Legislative Elections

A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)
A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)

Qataris go to the polls on Saturday in the Gulf state's first legislative elections, to choose two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council.

Thirty members of the 45-seat body will be elected, while Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will continue to appoint the remaining 15 members of the Council, which will have legislative authority and approve general state policies and the budget.

The Council has no control over executive bodies setting defense, security, economic and investment policy.

Eighteen women are standing from among around 183 candidates hoping to be elected at polling stations across 30 districts in the country, which has for several years held municipal elections.

Campaigning has taken place on social media, community meetings and roadside billboards.

Qatar's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani last month described the vote as a new "experiment" and said the Council cannot be expected from the first year to have the "full role of any parliament".

All candidates had to be approved by the interior ministry against a host of criteria, including age, character and criminal history. Candidates have also been required to register official campaign events with the ministry in advance.

Most of Qatar's 2.5 million residents are foreigners, ineligible to vote.



Saudi Arabia, France Discuss Gaza and Lebanon

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Advisor to the French President for the Middle East and North Africa Anne-Claire Legendre. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Advisor to the French President for the Middle East and North Africa Anne-Claire Legendre. SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia, France Discuss Gaza and Lebanon

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Advisor to the French President for the Middle East and North Africa Anne-Claire Legendre. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with Advisor to the French President for the Middle East and North Africa Anne-Claire Legendre. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has met with Advisor to the French President for the Middle East and North Africa Anne-Claire Legendre.

During their meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday, they discussed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and France and explored ways to further enhance them.

They also reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on the situations in Gaza and Lebanon, along with ongoing efforts to address these developments.