These elections are happening because of the big changes in the whole region. Qatar is trying to modify its position, because the Arab Spring has been moving from one country to another till it has reached the Gulf States, such as Bahrain. People want to be free; they want to have an actual role in the country in terms of decision making. This is why the Qatari Amir made the decision, for the first time in the history of Qatar, to conduct parliamentary and legislative elections. The citizens are the ones who choose the members of the parliament from the nominees who are running for the elections of the Legislative Council. The Qatari Amir used to appoint the members of the council, but today, citizens fulfill that role. They have the freedom to choose two-thirds of the council members, and then the Amir appoints the rest. I think it is a very positive step, because it promises big changes in Qatar for the near future. This is a great decision coming at the right time; it will boost the democracy and freedom of Qatar. This national participation happening in Qatar for the first time is part of the procedures and changes in the country, and the region as a whole. I salute the regime in Qatar for these changes, amendments and reforms taken quickly to empower citizens and to achieve what they are looking for before falling into the same trap into which other Arab regimes have fallen. So, I think it is a new stage for Qatar and all of the Gulf States, in playing a bigger role for the people.

All the Arab countries include the poor and the rich. In fact, the rich have always enjoyed all the services and comfort. However, the poor have always lacked the means of comfort. There is no one who cares about their complaints. That’s why it is important to take an interest in human rights in the Gulf countries, and especially for the poor, who have been suffering from hunger and poverty. Thus, it is important to call for human rights, especially since we are Muslim people and Islam insists on respecting human rights. In fact, many Arab countries have been patiently suffering from dictatorship, injustice, torture, killing and oppression. And many Gulf countries have provided human rights for their citizens. This is according to the laws that have protected the principles of freedom and democracy. This is in order to provide all the means of comfort for the Gulf citizens. Besides, the Gulf citizens have enjoyed all the services, thanks to the human rights that have been ordained by God Almighty in the tolerant Islamic religion.

The coming legislative election in Qatar is a good step, and we support any kind of procedure that would enhance democracy. We support the democratic practices which will enable the Qatari citizen to express his opinion and choose those who will represent him in the assemblies. So, the elections are a positive step that will improve Qatar and help the Qataris, who are starting to apply democracy to build their country. The right practice of democracy will revive and develop the country; it will lead to more progress. So, we support the Qatari legislative election, because it is a positive and good step forward. It is a sophisticated practice that reflects the development of the country.

All the people of the earth have the right to decide their destiny and choose their representatives inside and outside their countries. This is urgent, especially now, which is the time of the culmination of development and democracy that has led humans to the beginning of a new life without any kind of suppression, persecution or confiscation of rights and freedoms. This is because all kinds of nations have made considerable political progress so far.

The State of Qatar has taken a positive and good step by holding the legislative elections in order to achieve justice and equality among all people and to build a modern country according to the democratic principles. It is also important to provide complete freedom for all the people of the society, in order to let them participate in the regime, especially those who have the ability and competence that qualify them to participate in the government. In fact, the civil state must be governed by law, and all the people must enjoy their rights and perform their duties without any discrimination on the basis of religion, language, color or race. The law must protect human rights and freedoms and it must respect pluralism. It is also important to avoid humiliation by some forces, in addition to the adoption of a peaceful transfer of power. Besides, the government must derive its legitimacy from the people, and it must be held accountable before the people and their deputies, and not the opposite, as is the case in some Arab countries that have witnessed tyranny and dictatorship due to the oppressive governments which have not responded to their people’s legitimate requirements. That is why they have been faced with stones and fire

Elections have to be held, because it is a duty and the civilized method. It shows that the country is a democratic one that gives its citizens the freedom of choice and the right to vote for the ones who they think are suitable for the interest of everybody, not just a certain person. What is happening in Qatar proves that it is a democratic country working in the best interest of her citizens. The Qatari government is doing the right thing by giving citizens their complete freedom. Qatar has always been ahead of other Arabic countries in terms of giving citizens their rights, such as living a decent life and having all the requirements, like freedom of expression, consideration of thoughts and suggestions, and the provision of services to the Qataris. All the respect and appreciation is due this government, because it works for the people, it does not torture, oppress or apply dictatorial practices against them. I hope other governments follow the same path that Qatar has taken by giving their citizens complete freedom and the necessary services. I think such steps reinforce the trust between the government and the people. It is a good decision; it results in many positive outcomes and helps in achieving peace, comfort, stability and security in the country. Elections give the citizen the feeling of freedom and the feeling that he has the right to choose for the benefit of the country and the people, not only personal interests. Elections are necessary and important for the people; they should be performed fairly and honestly so that the people will have faith in the government and will work together for the country. This leads to success, progress and development through the harmony, cooperation and solidarity of all parties.

As far as I am concerned, every step towards democracy is positive. In addition, all the decisions which have been issued by the Qatari Emir concerning carrying out legislative elections in the country during the coming year are considered an important step forwards and a considerable boost towards democracy, even if it is not commensurate with the amount of the democratic ambitions in Qatar and the other regional countries. Yet, it is at least the first step, as the proverb says: “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” I hope that Qataris will be up to the responsibility when holding the elections, and I also hope that organizations and parties will start to increase people’s awareness about the legislative elections and their importance. Also, I hope to witness an amendment to the Qatari constitution that would limit the prerogatives of the Emir or the government leader and grant them to the Legislative Council. In fact, I hope to witness a lot of political reforms in Qatar, which raises a lot of questions, given that it has never seen any elections before. In fact, everyone is aware that the Legislative Council is appointed by the Emir, i.e. without elections. Thus, Qataris have never played a role in decision-making in such a small country. Today, the opportunity has come to Qataris to become a real partner in making decisions, through electing the representatives of the Legislative Council. Therefore, it has become possible to make changes in the country’s politics, the method of management, the issuing of laws, and determining the prerogatives of the Emir of Qatar through these elected members.

The State of Qatar has made many important and good decisions, mainly through issuing the legislative elections, especially since the other Arab countries have witnessed a lot of suffering. This has proven the extent of the government’s interest in Qataris. In fact, the Qatari government has worked on providing comfort and services for the citizens. It has also worked on achieving their demands immediately and without any delay. This is the basis of the government’s success. In fact, the government must work on serving its people. Thus, it must not deal with the citizens with sovereignty, brutality, cruelty and neglect. This is the basis of the success of the fair government that wants the wellbeing of its country. That’s why the government must not work on serving its personal interests. It must rather work on serving the citizens’ interests.

I think that the new Arab democracy has started to follow in the right direction. In fact, the Arab world has started to achieve the democratic process which will serve the Arab citizens’ interest. Thus, they have avoided the superficial changes which some people have tried to convince us are real reforms. In fact, the Arab people are no longer able to endure more injustice, repression, terror and fear. That’s why the Arab world has started to follow the way of democracy. I think that this is the best time for the Arab world, because of the new birth of democracy.