Qatar wraps up legislative polls, no women candidates elected

Female candidates disappointed in polls where turnout for election of 30 Shura Council members was at 63.5 percent

The results of Qatar’s first legislative council election have been announced, with none of the 26 female candidates winning at the polls.

Qatari citizens voted on Saturday in the Gulf Arab state’s first legislative elections for two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council, a process that has stirred domestic debate about electoral inclusion and citizenship.

The Shura Council has legislative authority and approves general state policies and the budget but has no say in the setting of defence, security, economic and investment policy for the small but wealthy gas producer, which bans political parties.