Politics of Qatar

In Qatar, the ruling Al Thani (الثاني) family continued to hold power following the declaration of independence in 1971. The head of state is the Emir, and the right to rule Qatar is passed on within the Al Thani family. Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society into a modern welfare state. Government departments have been established to meet the requirements of social and economic progress. The Basic Law of Qatar 1970 institutionalized local customs rooted in Qatar's conservative Wahhabi heritage, granting the Emir preeminent power. The Emir's role is influenced by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal personally to the Emir. The Emir, while directly accountable to no one, cannot violate the Shari’a (Islamic law) and, in practice, must consider the opinions of leading notables and the religious establishment. Their position was institutionalized in the Advisory Council, an appointed body that assists the Emir in formulating policy. There is no electoral system. Political parties are banned.

The influx of expatriate Arabs has introduced ideas that call into question the tenets of Qatar's traditional society, but there has been no serious challenge to Al Thani rule.

In February 1972, the Deputy Ruler and Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, deposed his cousin, Emir Ahmad, and assumed power. This move was supported by the key members of Al Thani and took place without violence or signs of political unrest.

On June 27, 1995, the Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, deposed his father Emir Khalifa in a bloodless coup. Emir Hamad and his father reconciled in 1996. Increased freedom of the press followed, and the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television channel (founded late 1996) is widely regarded as the only example of free and uncensored source of news in Arab countries. Country name:
conventional long form: State of Qatar
conventional short form: Qatar
local long form: Dawlat Qatar (Arabic: دولة قطر)
local short form: Qatar (Arabic: قطر)
note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Data code: QA

Government type: traditional monarchy

Capital: Doha (Arabic: الدّوحة)

Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Salal

Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 19 April 1972. A committee was formed in 2000 to create a constitution. The constitution was published and accepted by public suffrage in 2003. Despite official support for the document, it still awaits the Amir's final approval.

Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the emir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters

Suffrage: suffrage is currently limited to municipal elections (for both males and females aged 18 years or more). Expatriate residents are excluded. The elected Municipal Council has no executive powers but may offer advice to the Minister.
The State is gradually increasing popular participation in public affairs. The draft constitution envisages a partially elected Advisory Council, to review legislation and advise the Amir.

Executive branch:
chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (حمد بن خليÙ?Ø© الثاني) since 27 June 1995 when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (حمد الثاني صندوق خليÙ?Ø©), in a bloodless coup; Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the Emir, replaced his brother JASSIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (خليÙ?Ø© الثاني صندوق جاسم) by agreement within the family in 2003. Jassim is the third son of the monarch, he was appointed heir by the Amir on 22 October 1996; note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of minister of defense and commander-in-chief of the armed forces
head of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch (since 20 January 1998)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; note - in March 1999 Qatar held elections for representatives to its Central Municipal Council., the Advisory Council is to be the next Council to be elected.

Legislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (when the proposed Constitution is implemented this will have 45 seats;15 members appointed, 30 elected)

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders: none

International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, WTO