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.
