Page:Constitution of Qatar (English).pdf/10

 

The Emir shall take the following oath prior to the discharge of his functions in a special session convened by Al‐Shoura Council:

"I swear by Almighty God to respect Sharia law, the Constitution and the law, protect the independence of the State, safeguard its territorial integrity, and defend the freedom and interests of its people."



The Emir shall seek public opinion on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State in a referendum. The subject of such referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in the official Gazette.





Al‐Shoura Council shall assume the legislative authority, approve the general policy of the Government, the budget, and it shall exercise control over the executive authority as specified in this Constitution.



Al‐Shoura Council shall consist of forty‐five Members, thirty of whom shall be elected by direct, general secret ballot; and the Emir shall appoint the remaining fifteen Members from amongst the Ministers or any other persons. The term of service of the appointed Members in Al‐Shoura Council shall expire when these Members resign their seats or are relieved from their posts.



The system of election shall be determined by law in which the conditions and procedure of nomination and election are specified.



The electoral constituencies into which the State is divided and the districts thereof shall be determined by a decree.



The member of Al‐Shoura council should fulfill the following conditions:

1. To be a holder of an original Qatari nationality;

2. His age shall not be less than thirty calendar years at the closing date of nomination;

3. To be good in reading and writing Arabic;

4. Not to have been convicted by a competent court of law for an offense involving moral turpitude or dishonesty unless rehabilitated in accordance with the law; and

5. Eligible to vote as determined in the elections law. Rh