On this date, April 29, and twenty years ago from now, the Qataris were on the verge of an important historical stage in the country’s march towards progress and building a state of law and institutions, and they are massively attending polling stations to hold a referendum on the country’s first permanent constitution and create a new future whose greatness is evident today. proudly The permanent constitution came within the framework of a forward-looking vision and sincere determination to build a modern and effective state, which had to enter the twenty-first century with all its challenges and complexities regionally and internationally with determination, strength and firmness, and it is today under its wise leadership represented by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar useful. The Qataris, who lived through and participated in the making of this achievement, proudly remember this unique event, when they roamed the streets with their vehicles to celebrate the constitution document that was put to a referendum, surrounded by many decorative features and banners that were raised on this occasion, and they also remember that popular donation from the various official and civil bodies that organized Various political, cultural and intellectual events on the draft constitution, in addition to the local and international media that mobilized all their capabilities to cover this event. Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al-Obaidan, a former professor of political science at Qatar University, who was a member of the permanent constitution drafting committee, describes this event in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA): "It was a historic moment in which we felt proud, as we found ourselves on the verge of a new phase of political and constitutional development in the country.". He stressed that this constitution was part of the great reform project led by His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, according to careful and gradual steps, after the country had been under the amended political system for a period of up to three decades. Dr. Al-Obaidan added: "His Highness the Emir wanted the country to enter a new phase after great events took place that contributed to the development of the country in various political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual aspects, so there must be a constitution that responds to the requirements of the times.". The first stages of preparing the project began on July 13, 1999, with the issuance of Emiri Resolution No. (11) to form a committee to prepare a permanent constitution for the state. The committee consisted of (32) members of Qatari experts, thinkers, and academics.. On July 2, 2002, His Highness the Father Emir received Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, document of the draft permanent constitution. On the fifteenth of April 2003, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani met with Their Excellencies members of the ruling family, the Speaker of the Shura Council, the ministers, the deputy speaker of the Shura Council, members of the Shura Council, notables and notables, to inform them of the submission of the country’s draft permanent constitution to the Qatari people for a public referendum. On the same day, the Emiri Decree was issued inviting citizens to a referendum on the draft constitution, and the decree stipulated that Qatari men and women be invited to participate in approving the country’s constitution by expressing their opinion on the draft constitution, in a public referendum to be held on Tuesday 4/29/2003.. The decree also stipulated that the establishment of The Ministry of Interior has a committee called the Referendum General Committee, headed by His Excellency the Minister of State for Interior Affairs. It is responsible for supervising the referendum process and announcing its results. On the eve of the referendum on the draft permanent constitution of the state, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani addressed a speech to the Qatari people in which he included his vision for building a modern state, and he outlined in it his ambition to build "A prosperous and stable state based on religion and morals, science and knowledge as its pillar, and the basis of its rule is justice and the constitution". His Highness also stressed in the same speech that the permanent constitution "Lays the foundations of society.. organizes state affairs.. embodies popular participation.. builds democratic institutions.. consolidates belonging to the homeland.. affirms duties and guarantees rights and freedoms". The referendum on the draft constitution was held on April 29, 2003, and the polling stations witnessed a large turnout, which reflected the people’s response and response to His Highness’ speech. The result of the referendum was in favor of the draft constitution, with 96.6 percent of the vote. This historic event also received extensive and extensive coverage from the media. local and global. Dr. Youssef Al-Obaidan indicated that the committee made tremendous efforts to complete the draft constitution within the time period specified for three years, and its work witnessed the presentation of many visions and ideas, benefiting from constitutional experiences and expertise, and with the help of constitutional experts and legal jurists from different countries. He stressed that the committee was keen for the constitution to come out in the form that the country’s leadership aspires to and the people aspire to, and is characterized by a new character that reflects the Qatari reality, derives its strength from the ancient customs and heritage of Qatar, and contributes to the nation’s progress and does not hinder its path towards prosperity and progress, and it has received the blessing and approval of the majority. The Qatari people in the referendum that was organized on April 29, 2003. The permanent constitution of the State of Qatar was promulgated on June 8, 2004, including the essential principles for building a modern state, as it affirmed the Arab-Islamic identity of the state, and defined the foundations of governance and the basic components of the Qatari society, as well as carefully weighing Between rights and duties, and laid the foundations for free economic activity, and showed that the system of government is based on the separation of powers with their cooperation in the manner indicated in the articles of the constitution.. It began to work a year after the date of its promulgation, i.e. in June of the year 2005. The permanent constitution was dissolved It replaced the Temporary Basic Law of Government issued in the year 1970, which witnessed an amendment on April 19 of the year 1972, to comply with the profound transformations that the country witnessed in the light of independence and the beginning of a comprehensive renaissance era. Primary law. What should be noted in this context is that the year 1999, which witnessed the formation of the Committee for the Preparation of the Permanent Constitution of the State, was also a landmark year in the contemporary history of Qatar. for democracy in the State of Qatar, on March 8, in a step that represented a serious trend towards enhancing popular participation in decision-making and building strong democratic institutions that contribute to building the nation. Today, the twentieth anniversary of the referendum on the constitution coincides with the launch of the first stages of the electoral process for the elections of the Central Municipal Council in its seventh session, which is scheduled to start on April 30 with the voter registration process, in a scene that confirms the extent of the entrenchment of the democratic process with its various institutional and organizational elements, and the presence of conviction It is well-established that popular participation in decision-making is a foundation for construction, development, and a launch towards horizons of progress and prosperity. In light of this achievement represented by the permanent constitution of the state, which was not the end of the line, the wise leadership directed the mobilization of all energies and capabilities to build visions and strategies that translate the aspirations and aspirations of the Qatari people, and translate the provisions of the constitution that contain the foundations and pillars of launch, progress and advancement.
As a translation of this serious approach, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani directed in 2007 to prepare Qatar National Vision 2030, which was approved in the following year 2008. The vision aims to "For the State of Qatar to become, by 2030, an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring the continuation of a decent life for its people, generation after generation". The vision established four basic pillars for achieving sustainable development, which are: "Human Development" Which aims to develop the population of the State of Qatar so that they can build a prosperous society, and"Social development" With what it seeks to develop a just and safe society based on good morals and social care and capable of dealing and interacting with other societies, as well as "economical development" With the aim of developing a competitive and diversified economy capable of meeting the needs of, and securing a high standard of living at present and in the future, then "environmental development" In a way that ensures harmony and harmony between economic and social development and environmental protection. Within two years, the vision became operational with the launch of the first national development strategy 2011-2016, followed by the second national development strategy 2018-2022, while work is currently underway on the third national development strategy 2023-2030, benefiting from the results of the two previous strategies, taking into account the data and achievement rates. In it, in addition to adopting the best practices to achieve the goals of sustainability in the State of Qatar, as confirmed by His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Muhammad Al-Nabit, Chairman of the Planning and Statistics Authority, in a previous interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA). Then there was another constitutional entitlement, represented in the Shura Council elections, for which the State of Qatar has provided all the factors of maturity and reasons for success, in embodying its reform project that is characterized by gradualism and deliberation in a way that guarantees its firmness and stability and in a manner that bears its fruit and fruits that the Qatari society aspires to. On October 2, 2021, the country witnessed the first direct elections for the Shura Council under the permanent constitution, and a large number of candidates competed in it, reaching 234 candidates, and it was also characterized by heavy turnout at polling stations. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, had announced in a speech he delivered at the opening of the 49th session of the Shura Council in November of the year 2020 that these elections would be held, and His Highness described them as "An important step in strengthening Qatari Shura traditions and developing the legislative process with broader participation of citizens"His Highness, the Emir of Qatar, added: "Elections are not a criterion for national identity. The identity of Qatar has crystallized over time and appears in its best form in the solidarity and cohesion of our society, its tolerant moral values, and its love for its country.". During the past two decades, in which the country witnessed important transformations, the march of achievements proceeded without stopping, overcoming all difficulties and challenges with wisdom and competence, to record in the year 2022 one of its most important achievements represented in organizing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which history recorded as the best version ever, to leave a legacy of Achievement and inspiration not only for the State of Qatar, but for the whole world. And in light of the great transformations that the country witnessed at the political and developmental levels after the adoption of the constitution, Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al-Obaidan expresses his pride in his participation in the preparation of the constitution through his membership in the committee that included elite experts and specialists.. adding: "My colleagues and I had great ambitions while we were drafting the constitution. We were overwhelmed with indescribable happiness as we contributed to shaping the country’s future.". and say: "You can’t imagine how our feelings were as we handed over the constitution to His Highness the Emir.. It was overwhelming happiness, we found ourselves entering a new phase of political and constitutional development in the country, and we stand with the most prestigious countries on an equal footing in promoting popular participation and representation". And he stresses that the effective popular participation today in decision-making was a fruit of this constitution.. adding: " Qatar today is a state of law and institutions, and it enjoys effective popular participation and an elected Shura Council, and it operates according to a constitution that regulates relations between the authorities". In his statement to QNA, Dr. Al-Obaidan noted that the State of Qatar today is referred to as Lebanon in its internal and external policy, as it is enjoying a legislative renaissance, thanks to its permanent constitution, which resulted in an economic, cultural, social, intellectual and political renaissance that the world witnesses, and that it also contributes today to international decision-making. Through the many mediations and initiatives at the regional and international levels". Today, Qataris recall that event with pride as they see the country witnessing a comprehensive renaissance, unique regionally and globally with gigantic achievements, with steady steps and an approach that reflects Qatari wisdom in the process of reform, modernity and development, keeping pace with transformations, taking into account changes, preserving traditions, and ensuring solid foundations for any step that leads The country is in the field of sophistication and progress.
Read the Latest World News Today on The Eastern Herald.
