Al-Sharq Underlines Launch of First Phase of Electoral Process for Shura Council Elections

Doha, August 02 (QNA) - Al-Sharq newspaper underlined in its editorial Monday the launch of the first phase of the electoral process for the Shura Council elections in its first session, yesterday, by opening the door for voters to register their names in the voter registration lists, a process that will continue until next Thursday. The Qatari daily said that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani inspected a number of election committee headquarters, in order to make sure of all the necessary preparations are ready for the registration process in the voters' lists for the Shura Council elections before they start at the headquarters. His Excellency was accompanied by a number of officials of the supervisory committee and the executive committees concerned with the Shura Council elections, the paper added. The newspaper stated that 30 electoral districts in various regions of the country had opened its doors for the citizens from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm to register their names in the voter registration lists, adding that the Ministry of Interior (MoI) also allowed the registration via text message and the Metrash2 app. The Qatari daily pointed out that the MoI said that the citizen should initiate the registration application procedures himself through the Metrash2 app, or by text message, or by personally attending any of the electoral headquarters and that the data required for registration is the personal card number and the mobile number of the voter. The paper stressed that the turnout of citizens on the first day to the various centers or through the specific methods of registering their names in the voter registration lists reflects the great keenness and national commitment to participate in this historic elections, which establishes a new stage in which citizens participate in making the future, progress and prosperity of the country. In conclusion, Al-Sharq said that registration in the voter registration lists of qualified citizens who meet the conditions stipulated in the law is a national duty and it reflects the citizens' awareness of their role in the electoral process, and keenness to exercise their constitutional and legal right to elect their representatives in the Shura Council which guarantees everyone's contribution to decision-making and building a State of institutions and law. (QNA)