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.



UAE Arrests Suspects Involved in Killing of Moldovan National

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
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UAE Arrests Suspects Involved in Killing of Moldovan National

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo

Three people have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates in connection with the alleged murder of a man, Zvi Kogan, who entered the country using his Moldovan nationality, the Emirati interior ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The statement said that a search and investigation team was formed after the family of the victim filed a report about his disappearance. The investigations led to the discovery of the missing person's body and the identification of the perpetrators. They were arrested, and the necessary legal procedures were initiated.
It added that the details of the incident will be disclosed once the investigations are complete.
The statement emphasized that all legal powers would be used "to respond decisively and without leniency to any actions or attempts that threaten societal stability".
“The UAE, throughout all its institutions, will spare no effort to prevent any attacks on its nationals, residents, and visitors. The entire security agencies are working around the clock to protect societal stability and ensure the continued highest levels of security and safety, which have been firmly established since the founding of the country”, affirmed the ministry.