Candidates hope for more effective municipal council
Originally published in Gulf Times on May 9, 2011
Some of the candidates contesting the central municipal elections, which will be held today, have expressed the hope that the new municipal council would be a more effective body than its predecessors.
Fatima al-Kuwari, one of the candidates, is a prominent face in the Airport constituency. Her main focus if elected will be on the health and education sectors. Her message to the voters is: assess the manifesto of every candidate and vote for the one who is practical and realistic.
Ali al-Muhnnadi, from the Markhiya constituency averred that loyalty to one’s tribe is an inalienable right. It is akin to loyalty to one’s political party as seen in many countries of the world. “Women are emerging in the public life in a significant way. It is a very welcome development,” he said.
The current elections will mark a step forward from the previous ones because the CMC which was first elected 12 years ago will usher in a new council in a largely changed atmosphere.
Saad al- Ghanim, who is contesting from Khalifa Town (South) said that the media has in the past years only highlighted the internal problems of the CMC but has not focused on the larger issues faced by the society in different walks of life. He also called upon the authorities to provide a building to serve as chambers for the CMC members. It will facilitate each member to interact with the public, he said.
Meshaal al-Dehneem, from El-Hilal constituency deplored the fact that tribal affiliations seem to be the deciding factor in the elections. A large section of the Qatari society is eager that men and women with competence should emerge in the public domain such as the CMC and contribute to the enrichment of the country, he said.
More than 32,000 voters expected to exercise their franchise.
A total of 101 candidates, including four women, are competing over 29 seats.
First CMC elections held in 1999
• First CMC Elections were held on March 8, 1999 with 248 candidates including six women and 21,995 eligible voters.
• Second CMC Elections were held on April 7, 2003 with 88 candidates and four members including a woman winning unopposed. Total eligible voters 21,024.
• Third CMC elections on April 1, 2007 with 116 candidates and 28,153 eligible voters. Sheikha Yousef al-Jufairi (Old Airport constituency) raked in the highest number of votes of all candidates, while two other members won unopposed.
• Fourth CMC elections on May 10, 2011 with 101 candidates and 32,662 eligible voters.
• After the first CMC elections, HH the Emir invited the CMC to hold its first meeting in full attendance on May 4, 1999, to elect a chairman and deputy chairman from among its members through secret ballot.
• CMC holds biweekly ordinary meetings in capital Doha, while one-third of members petition for an extra-ordinary meeting.
Photocaption: Election fever has gripped the entire country with candidates campaigning to win over the voters
As Published
