Referendum in Qatar

Qatar will hold a referendum on an undisclosed date, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani recently said.

Citizens of the tiny Gulf emirate will vote on a set of constitutional amendments, including a proposal to abandon the election of two-thirds of the members of the advisory Shura Council, allowing instead for the hereditary ruler to appoint all its 45 members.

The Qatari Shura Council’s powers “will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment,” Al Thani said.

The advisory body, established in 1972, provides advice to the ruler, has legislative authority and approves the government’s budget.

Yet it has no say on the defense, security, economic and investment affairs, or how the hereditary leader rules the gas and oil rich emirate. 

These issues are decided by the emir and ministers.

 Like Qatar, all other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a legislative body, though they are largely powerless, acting mostly as consultative bodies.