Qatar's NHRC Chairperson: Participation In The CMC Elections Is Integral Part Of The Right To Freedom Of Opinion And Expression

Doha, June 11 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah expressed that the large number of Qatar citizens have registered in the electoral lists reflects their true and free will in choosing who they want to represent them in the 7th session of the Central Municipal Council (CMC). In press statements made today, Her Excellency stressed that the upcoming CMC elections are not only important for the development and completion of infrastructure, but it also provides an opportunity for everyone's voices to be heard and to shape the future of Qatar's society. Participation in these elections is an integral part of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and ensures that individuals have an opinion in their own society, she said in the statements. She added that the elections will determine who will lead the administration of municipal affairs and therefore make decisions that would directly impact the daily life of Qatar's population, and the success of the democratic process will also impact the welfare of the citizen and the future of the country. Her Excellency pointed out that since the issuance of Amiri Decree No. (28) of 2023 with regard to setting the date for the CMC elections, the NHRC has played a vital role in spreading awareness and gearing up to monitor the elections. HE Chairperson of NHRC highlighted that the committee has established two teams responsible for awareness and oversight to make sure that there is a fair election that reflects the population without discrimination and supports equality in face of laws, all in which is based on the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, as well as the international laws and the principles of human rights. She also explained that the committee has completed its preparation to monitor the elections of 7th session of CMC, after it formed the concerned team of members and employees to monitor the electoral process. The committee worked on the team to qualify it to carry out the required tasks in the electoral committees in accordance with national and international standards. She affirmed that the team concerned with monitoring the elections posse independence, impartiality and objectivity, and has the necessary experience to monitor the electoral process. This is by being present at voting areas and ensuring that voters, candidates and those responsible for managing the electoral process all experience respect and freedom. Her Excellency explained that the team will work within the framework of the strategic plan for monitoring and dissemination, identifying expected results from monitoring, ensuring the inclusion of international standards for monitoring elections, ensuring that a number of basic elements are met, and conducting an evaluation of the electoral process that uphold independence. In regards of spreading awareness, she announced that the NHRC would organize a second "Elections are a Right and Duty" campaign next Tuesday. This is in order to increase the participation of citizens in electing their representatives in the CMC. And to implement their rights and duties guaranteed by the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar in 2004 and the provisions of international human rights agreements. She noted that the campaign aims to educate citizens and candidates about the process of the election in accordance with national, regional and international standards. It is also aimed to ensure that they have willingness, desire and ability for participation by providing confidence in the suitability and effectiveness of the process, and in choosing and developing programs and demands that would benefit citizens in their districts. The campaign comes within the framework of raising awareness of the electoral process, including publishing educational messages through websites, social media sites, official newspapers, and paper publications. In addition, a team of employees and volunteers of the "Elections are a Right and Duty" campaign will be present in several malls in Qatar staring from May 25 till June 21. HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah noted that NHRC, based on its legal mandate, is keen to enhance the participation of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women and the elderly in the elections. Highlighting that the participation of these groups in the electoral process means that their needs and issues will be heard and discussed amongst the voters and candidates. She also expressed that the participation of these groups is an indication of Qatar's commitment to the provisions of international human rights conventions. The exercise of the right to vote by these groups means that this right is available to every adult Qatari citizen, and reflects the universal principle of a non-discriminatory, equal and inclusive voting for all citizens. HE Chairperson of NHRC stressed that the right to vote is fundamental to ensuring that all citizens are entitled to their rights which are based on the principle of integrity and indivisibility of human rights. (QNA)