Qatar » Politics

Politics of Qatar takes place in a framework of an absolute monarchy whereby the Emir of Qatar is not only head of state, but also the head of government. In Qatar, the ruling Al Thani 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 Wahbbi heritage, granting the Emir preeminent power. Continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizens right to appeal personally to the Emir influences the Emirs role. 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 Hamid, 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. Qatar is developing into a constitutional monarchy, but it doesn't allow political parties and until at least March 2007, doesn't hold elections on a national level. On October 10, 2005, for the first time, Qatar was elected to a two-year term on the UN Security Council for 2006-2007.