In a surprising announcement, Qatar’s ruling emir revealed plans for a referendum to end the experiment of electing members to the Shura Council. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed concerns over the potential impact of electoral competition on the country’s social fabric and traditions. The move signifies a backtrack on efforts to embrace representational rule in the Gulf Arab states, influenced in part by US calls for democratic reforms post-9/11 and the Arab Spring in 2011.
The decision follows a recent election that saw tensions rise within Qatar’s society, prompting the emir to address the issue in his annual speech. The country’s electoral law has been criticized for excluding naturalized citizens from participating, leading to protests and arrests. Qatar’s shift away from electoral experiments reflects a broader trend in the region, with Kuwait also dissolving its parliament earlier this year.
Despite these setbacks, Qatar remains a key player in global affairs, hosting major events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup. As the Gulf states navigate governance challenges amidst newfound wealth, the debate around representation and accountability continues, even as rulers uphold traditional consensus-based models of leadership.
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