DOHA, 9 June 2004 — Qatar was yesterday given a boost on its path of reform with the emir promulgating the Gulf state’s first written constitution, which won unanimous backing in a referendum a year ago.
Although Sheikh Hamad ibn Khalifa Al-Thani endorsed the constitution, it will not come into full effect for another year when it will be published in the official gazette, the state news agency QNA reported.
During this period, “constitutional institutions and businesses will be put in place, and the necessary legal measures to this effect,” QNA said.
On April 29, 2003, an overwhelming majority of Qataris said “yes” to a written constitution ushering in a Gulf-style limited democracy.
Qatar’s first constitution since independence in 1971 will leave real power with the emir and his family, but give citizens a greater say in the running of their country.
The emir wants to continue efforts to achieve “the putting in place of a democratic regime ... by approving a permanent constitution which makes certain the fundamental base of society, realizes the participation of the population in taking decisions and guarantees citizens’ rights and freedoms,” QNA said.
Legislative power will be vested in a Shoura (Consultative) Council made up of 45 members, two-thirds of whom would be elected and the rest appointed by the emir.
However, a date has still not been announced for the country’s first polls.
The delay is needed to “draft the laws” for applying the constitution, including an electoral code to organize elections, said Yussif Obaidan, a member of the committee drawing up the constitution.
“It’s an important stage in the political and constitutional progression ... on the road to democracy,” he said.
“The democratic process has now been launched” in Qatar, said academic Mohammed Misfer. “I hope this democratic initiative will become widespread in all the Gulf countries.”
Sheikh Hamad has advocated greater political openness since taking power in 1995.
