Al-Raya: Shura Elections Are Important Stage in Qatar's History

Doha, August 01 (QNA) - Al-Raya daily newspaper affirmed Sunday that with the start of the procedural phases of the elections for the Shura Council in its first session, the history of the State of Qatar marks an important step and stage, which requires everyone to give priority to the supreme interest of the country to choose the best candidates in the voting stage. The newspaper said, in an article by the editor-in-chief, that the world's attention today is directed to the State of Qatar with the launch of the first procedural phases of the elections for the elected Shura Council in its first session, adding that with the opening of the voter registration door, there is no doubt that the turnout of citizens to register in the voters' lists today and until Aug.5, through three ways listed by the Ministry of the Interior, reflects the spirit of responsibility and national duty, in a manner that suits the historical entitlement, which establishes a new stage of the citizen's participation in public affairs, and contributes to the elevation, prosperity and progress of the country. Al-Raya noted the keenness of the wise leadership, through the electoral system law, to make the Shura Council a true representative of the will of the citizens, pointing out that the laws and decisions related to the Shura Council elections represent a legislative and organizational guarantee to facilitate and ensure integrity of the electoral process, in order to present these steps and procedures as a model for the world of the good practices in managing the election process, which aims to expand popular participation in decision-making and develop legislative work. The paper indicated that there are many tasks awaiting the elected Shura Council, to consolidate the foundations of the rule of law and institutions, and to strengthen the supervisory and legislative role of the Council in supporting the development process and the comprehensive renaissance that Qatar is experiencing under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. In conclusion, Al-Raya said that the raising awareness of the importance of participating in the Shura Council elections, during the coming period, requires concerted efforts between the bodies concerned with the electoral process, civil society institutions, public and influential figures in society, experts, specialists and local media, with the aim of enhancing societal awareness of the importance of this historic step and the role of the elected Shura Council, and supporting the State's efforts for the success of the electoral process. (QNA)