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, South Korea Discuss Ways to Boost Relations

Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz met in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. SPA
Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz met in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, South Korea Discuss Ways to Boost Relations

Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz met in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. SPA
Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz met in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. SPA

Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz has met in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss bilateral relations and ways to boost ties.

Prince Abdullah conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and their best wishes for the South Korean president and the friendly people of South Korea for further progress and prosperity.

Yoon conveyed his greetings and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince.