Qatar sets up supervisory body for first legislative elections

The committee will oversee elections for two-thirds of the 45-seat Shura Council, which advises the Qatari ruler.

Qatar has set up a committee to oversee its first legislative elections, due to be held in October, its interior ministry said on Sunday. The elections will be for two-thirds, or 30 members, of the 45-seat advisory Shura Council. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will appoint 15 members, rather than the entire council as he does today. Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, who also serves as interior minister, ordered the establishment of a supervisory committee which will be headed by interior ministry officials, the ministry said on Twitter.