Qatar’s emir approves electoral law for first legislative vote

Voters in October to select 30 members of the 45-seat Shura Council.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has approved an electoral law for the country’s first legislative polls, due to be held in October, his office said. The vote will be for 30 members, of the 45-seat Shura Council. The remaining one-third of the council will continue to be appointed by the emir. Appointed and elected members will have the same rights and duties, including “approving the general policy of the government and budget”, as well as exercising control over the executive authority, according to a statement on Thursday by Qatar’s Government Communication Office (GCO).