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 King Salman Issues Royal Order Appointing 125 Members to Public Prosecution

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
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Saudi King Salman Issues Royal Order Appointing 125 Members to Public Prosecution

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Sunday a Royal Order appointing 125 members to the public prosecution as the investigative lieutenants.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib expressed appreciation for the Royal Order, which, he said, is a reflection of the support extended to the judiciary by King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The appointments underscore the leadership's commitment to bolstering the public prosecution and ensuring its ongoing advancement, consistent with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, he added.