Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Following the constitutional referendum in November 2024, Qatar ended public elections for its national legislature.
Source: Constitution, art. 76 and 77: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
i . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The Prince is the Head of the State. His person is inviolable, and his respect is a duty.
The rule of the State is hereditary in the family of Al Thani, and in the male descendents of Hamad Ben Khalifa Ben Hamad Ben Abd-Allah Ben Jassim. Inheritance of the rules goes to the son designated by the Prince (Emir) as Heir Apparent.
Source: Constitution, art. 8: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prince appoints the Prime Minister, accepts his resignation and relieves him from his post by a Princely Order.
Source: Constitution, art. 72: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The Emir is the head of State. His person shall be inviolable and he must be respected by all.
Source: Constitution, art. 64: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Shura Council shall consist of no fewer than forty-five (45) Members, and the appointment of the Members shall be issued by an Amiri Decision
The Shura Council shall assume the legislative authority, and approve the general budget of the State, and it shall exercise
control over the executive authority as stated in this Constitution
Source: Constitution, art. 76 77: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments: The Shura Council shall consist of no fewer than forty-five (45) Members, and the appointment of the Members shall be issued by an Amiri Decision
Source: Constitution, art. 78: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Following the constitutional referendum in November 2024, Qatar ended public elections for its national legislature.
Source: Constitution, art. 76 - 83: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Only municipal elections are held in Qatar.
Source: Constitution, art. 76 - 83: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 42: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Prior November 2024: Judicial authority, but not applicable anymore.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
l . No voter education and information campaigns conducted
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/05/08
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
n . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/05/08
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: https://www.shura.qa/en/Pages/MediaCenter/News/29102024-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Verified: 2025/05/08
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments:
Source: https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2021-09-01/qatar-emir-approves-first-elections-law-for-legislative-elections/
Verified: 2025/05/08
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Verified: 2025/05/08
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Qatar.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship i . Minimum level of literacy
Comments: The member of Al-Shoura council should fulfill the following conditions:
To be of an original Qatari nationality.
To be at least thirty (30) calendar years at the closing date of nomination.
To be fluent in reading and writing the Arabic language.
Should not have been convicted by a final judgment in the crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, unless he is rehabilitated according to the law.
Source: Constitution, art. 80: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2025/05/08
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2025/05/08
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Qatar.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2025/05/08
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Qatar.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2025/05/08
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Qatar.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2012/08/23
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Qatar.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Qatar.
Source: Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Prince may ask for the citizen's referendum on important issues relating to the Country's interests. The subject of referendum is considered approved if supported by the majority of voters. The result of referendum is binding and effective from the date of its announcement and is published in the Official Gazette.
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Amir may conduct a public referendum on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State. The subject of such a
referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in The Official Gazette
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=181&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=181&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=181&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional
Comments: C:75 "The Emir shall seek public opinion on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State in a referendum. The subject of such referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in the official Gazette."
Source: The 2003 Constitution of Qatar, art. 75
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments: C:75 "The Emir shall seek public opinion on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State in a referendum. The subject of such referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in the official Gazette."
Source: The 2003 Constitution of Qatar, art. 75
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/31
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The Emir shall seek public opinion on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State in a referendum. The subject of such referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in the official Gazette.
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: The Emir shall seek public opinion on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State in a referendum. The subject of such referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in the official Gazette.
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/08
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=181&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/05/08
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/05/08
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/05/08
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