Qatar is set to hold an historic referendum on articles within its constitution on Tuesday, November 5.
The General Referendum Committee has called on Qatari citizens aged 18 years and above, both inside and outside the country, to exercise their right to vote on the referendum day, for the referendum on the draft constitutional amendment for 2024 to the State of Qatar’s Permanent Constitution, as per Decree No. 87 of 2024.
In a statement, the Committee emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation in ensuring the success of the referendum, which will take place from 7am to 7pm.
Qatar referendum
To facilitate and encourage participation in the referendum, Qatar has announced a holiday for all public and private schools in the country on Tuesday, November 5.
A statement carried by the state-run Qatar News Agency said: “In order to enhance effective participation in 2024 constitutional amendment referendum, Ministry of Education and Higher Education declared tomorrow, November 5, 2024, to be a holiday for all public and private schools, including academic and administrative staff at schools”.
In order to enhance effective participation in 2024 constitutional amendment referendum, Ministry of Education and Higher Education declared tomorrow, November 5, 2024, to be a holiday for all public and private schools , including academic and administrative staff at schools. pic.twitter.com/f7wYzU2odD
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) November 4, 2024
The General Referendum Committee has completed all necessary procedures for holding the referendum on constitutional amendments for 2024 on Tuesday, based on Decree No. (87) of 2024 which affirms the cohesion between the Qatari people and their leader, and the firm belief in the importance of national unity, social cohesion and steadfastness on the inherited good values and established national principles.
The constitutional amendments were widely welcomed by the Qatari people, and saw constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities since the draft constitutional amendments was referred to the Shura Council.
The constitutional amendments received widespread popular praise as citizens expressed their faith and confidence in their wise leadership which is keen to apply the principle of justice and the rule of law in all areas of life.
The constitutional amendments include altering the texts of the Articles of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar:
- 1
- 7
- 13
- 74
- 77
- 80
- 81
- 83
- 86
- 103
- 104
- 114
- 117
- 150
In addition, it is proposed to add Article (75 bis), Article (125/final paragraph), and cancelling Articles (78), (79), and (82) of the Constitution.
The constitutional amendments that will be put to the vote on Tuesday embody the depth of the long-standing relationship of communication and consultation between the leader and the people.
See detailed proposals of amended articles to be voted on in the referendum here.
The Committee specified two methods for voting in the referendum. The first is direct voting by casting a paper ballot or electronically using iPads. Voters are required to attend in person at one of the announced polling stations and present their Qatari ID or Digital Qatar ID.
The second is remote voting using the “Metrash2” app, available for citizens both within and outside the country.
It will be a yes-no voting system. After the referendum, the committees responsible will begin sorting and counting the votes, with results expected to be announced within 24 hours of the end of the referendum, the General Referendum Committee explained.
