A referendum took place in Qatar on 5 November 2024 regarding the new revisions to the 2004 constitution. Some of the changes include strengthening the role of the emir and abolishment of the elections to the Consultative Assembly with its members being appointed instead. The referendum results will be legally binding.[1][2][3]
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Background
editThe first direct election for two-thirds of the Consultative Assembly took place in 2021. On 15 October 2024, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced plans for a referendum on whether to abolish direct elections to the Consultative Assembly and revert to an appointive system, saying that the election had affected relations within families and tribes and that it had assumed "an identity-based character that we are not equipped to handle, with potential complications over time that we would rather avoid".[4]
Results
editOn 6 November, the Ministry of Interior announced that the referendum passed with 90.6% in favour. Turnout was at 84%.[5]
| Choice | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | 90.6 | ||
| Against | 9.4 | ||
| Total | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 84 | ||
Aftermath
editEmir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said that the results of the referendum showed that "Qataris have celebrated ... the values of unity and justice".[5]
References
edit- ^ Mills, Andrew (15 October 2024). "Qatar to hold referendum on measure to abandon legislative elections, Emir says". Reuters. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "Qatar sets constitutional amendment referendum for November 5". The Arab Weekly. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "HH the Amir Inaugurates Shura Council's Ordinary Session". Qatar News Agency. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "Qatar's ruler says his nation will vote on abandoning legislative elections after just one poll". Associated Press. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Qatar votes overwhelmingly to scrap legislative polls". France 24. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.