Editors-in-chief: Historic step to strengthen Shura, national unity

Several editors-in-chief of local newspapers have underlined the importance of voting on the constitutional amendments on Tuesday, pointing to their significant impact in consolidating the principles of Shura and strengthening national unity.

They stressed in statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) the vital role of the media in spreading awareness and stimulating popular participation, reflecting the commitment of the Qatari leadership to developing the constitutional system and deepening the principle of Shura.

The editors-in-chief called on Qatari citizens to participate effectively in the vote, considering it an expression of national awareness and the importance of these amendments in supporting comprehensive development and achieving political and economic stability, and assuming responsibility for preserving the nation's gains for future generations.

Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudhahka, Editor-in-Chief of 'Gulf Times', stressed that voting represents an advanced stage in the development of Qatar's political and social system. He explained that this stage comes to reinforce the principle of equality among citizens, which contributes to shaping a sustainable future for future generations through political stability, economic progress and social development.

Al-Mudhahka added that the referendum represents a civilised approach and reflects the leadership's commitment to the social contract on which the State was founded, stressing that the leadership seeks through this amendment to strengthen national cohesion.

He praised the media's role in spreading awareness of the importance of voting, highlighting the role of the Qatari people, whose youth percentage exceeds two-thirds, in understanding the importance of this stage, noting that these amendments serve the interests of current and future generations.

Mohammed Hejji, Editor-in-Chief of 'Al-Watan' daily newspaper, emphasised the role of the constitutional amendments in strengthening the principles of Shura and strengthening national cohesion between the people and the leadership, noting that the proposed articles aim primarily to support national unity and equality in citizenship.

Hejji added that these amendments reinforce the principle of Shura that Qatar has adopted for years, noting that they represent a new stage in the Shura journey. He also praised the media campaigns in spreading awareness of the importance of voting, explaining that these efforts contributed to educating citizens about the importance of exercising their national and constitutional rights.

Hejji called on citizens to participate in the referendum, stressing the importance of assuming responsibility and contributing to achieving more national achievements, saying: "Yes to these amendments"; they are the beginning of a new journey that establishes national unity and comprehensive equality.

For his part, Faleh Hussein al-Hajri, Editor-in-Chief of 'Al-Arab' daily newspaper, said that the call of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for popular participation in the referendum reflects a wise vision to enhance citizens' participation in decision-making.

Al-Hajri pointed out that this call represents a step towards transparency and a system based on consultation and responsibility, as stated in the Amir's speech before the Shura Council on the historical relationship between the ruler and the ruled in Qatar.

He praised the role of awareness campaigns that explain to citizens how to participate in the referendum and the importance of their voice, considering that these efforts enhance the awareness of the Qatari citizen of his role in this historical stage.

Al-Hajri urged the Qatari people to participate actively, asserting that their voices will shape Qatar's prosperous future and further the developmental process, highlighting that this referendum can serve as a powerful moment for national strength, cohesion, and unity.