Shura members: constitutional amendments poll is a national duty for the unity of nation

The country is set to witness a historical milestone on Tuesday when Qatari citizens take part in a general referendum on the recent constitutional amendments. All citizens aged 18 years and above are invited to have a say in such a crucial moment in the history of the nation.

A considerable number of Qatari citizens have stressed that participation would further enhance national solidarity, and further strengthen the fair rights of citizenship, as the new amendments to the constitution are set to reinforce the fabric of the national unity and expand the inclusion of citizens within the country.

Accordingly, a number of Shura Council members have urged all the eligible voters to be keen to cast their polls on Tuesday, as the new constitution would represent a new phase of development and prosperity for all the people living in the country.

Speaking to local Arabic daily 'Arrayah', Shura Council member Yousef bin Ali al-Khatir, Chairman of the Shura Council's Internal and External Affairs Committee, stressed that the call for the citizens to take part at the polls on the general referendum is an embodiment of the principle of involving the people in the decision-making process, and reflects the keenness of the wise leadership on enhancing popular solidarity among the various segments of the Qatari society.

He pointed out that the Shura Council has approved the draft constitutional amendments after deep and considerate discussions among its members, where the members saw that these will further reinforce national unity and establish the rule of the law and justice among all. He also appreciated the positive co-operation between the executive and legislative powers in the country being united on promoting the ultimate interests of the country.

Shura Council member Dr Mohamed bin Batti al-Abdalla pointed out that the constitution is a sort of convention within a certain society where the rights and duties of all are defined. Accordingly, every phase needs new demands and requires new changes to keep up with the development in the society. He stressed that the wise leadership of the country has made such necessary changes and referred them to the Shura Council to approve after being studied by the government. Consequently, every eligible citizen has the duty to participate at the polling process to further cement the national unity.

Shura Council members Khalid bin Abbas al-Emadi saw that the newly approved draft constitutional amendments are considered a response to the popular demands of the Qatari people meant to strengthen the unity of the people behind the leadership to face the challenges of the upcoming period. He said that the new amendments have abolished all the limitations that used to encounter some categories of Qatari citizens and now all the people of Qatar enjoy the effective equality to cast their votes with confidence.

Shura Council member Abdulla bin Nasser al-Subaie expected that Tuesday will see a huge turnout of eligible voters, stressing that it is very important to maintain strong popular participation on this day, as part of looking forward for a brighter future of the country.

Shura Council member Mubarak bin Mohamed al-Kuwari noted that voting on this day means that the citizen is keen to maintain the gains of the nation over the past years. Shura Council member Issa bin Ahmed al-Nassr said that as the new amendments are mainly meant to enhance justice, equality and solidarity among the Qatari people, voting is considered a serious national duty for all eligible citizens.