Shura candidates discuss their plans as campaign gathers pace

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Candidates for the upcoming Shura Council election have reiterated that working for the good of the country and people will be their priority, as campaigning continues in full swing. The candidates are reaching out to voters through various means in order to discuss the latter’s expectations and aspirations, and how the new Shura Council members can voice their demands for a better life.  Over the past few days, it has been observed that both voters and candidates are driven by a strong desire to work for the good of the country and public interest, as it would reflect positively on the daily lives of people in the country. Speaking to local Arabic daily Arrayah, a number of candidates explained their programmes and plans for the upcoming Council, if elected. Saad Issa Saad al-Kaabi, a candidate for the 21st constituency, stressed that his main aim is to help secure high-quality public services for citizens as well as welfare based on equal rights and justice, which are among the main principles of the Qatari constitution. He hopes to introduce a new way of thinking that will be in line with the aspirations of the country’s young generation, noting that Qatar is considered a vibrant and youthful nation, and young candidates can be a real asset for the new Council. Al-Kaabi’s distinctive point is to introduce a suitable health insurance plan for Qatari citizens that will cover their needs within and outside the country, covering both the public and private sectors. In addition, he promised to work to update and modernise pension and retirement laws, as well as social security for all segments of the local society. Aisha al-Kuwari, a candidate for the 22nd constituency, said young people are among the main focus areas of her programme, as she will work through the Council’s membership — if elected — to address all issues of concern to them and create more laws that will help provide them with suitable jobs, adequate vocational training and qualification so that they can have a stable and secure livelihood. Al-Kuwari’s programme involves enhancing investment opportunities and reducing related operational costs while opening up new markets for exports. She added that she would work closely with the entities concerned to activate the role of youth centres and help them live up to the expectations of young people in the country.  Her main motto is “Let’s be partners in decision- making”. Almaha al-Majid, a candidate for the 11th constituency, said she has a diversified programme based on scientific studies and a survey of the views of a good number of specialists across various fields, besides citizens. She will lay special emphasis on the issue of sustainable economy and environment, as she believes that maintaining the local environment is a national duty and a security for the future generations. Al-Majid will work to present recommendations and suggestions that will further enhance the role of Qatar as an active partner in the international community on climate change issues. Dr Yousef Khalil Ibrahim Ahmed al-Mahasna, a candidate for the 7th constituency, noted that education, health and work are among his priorities in addition to social development issues. He stressed that he would work to introduce effective legislation to address these and other issues.