Coinciding with Donald Trump’s historic re-election in the US, Qataris went to the polls on 5 November to cast their ballot on a set of constitutional amendments. Key among them was an amendment to replace legislative elections for the advisory Shura Council with appointed roles which passed with 90.6% of votes.
This decision comes three years after Qatar held its first ever elections in 2021 for 30 of the council’s 45 seats (the remaining 15 being appointed). Qatar’s Shura Council holds restricted legislative authority, approves the state’s general budget, and exercises limited oversight over ministries. It has no say over higher policies of defense, security, and economy. (CONTINUED - 105 WORDS)