Qatari Citizens Turn Out in Large Numbers for Constitutional Amendments Referendum.

Doha: Qatari newspapers on Tuesday highlighted the citizens' turnout at polling stations to express their opinions and exercise their constitutional right in the referendum on the draft constitutional amendments of 2024, based on Decree No. 87 of 2024, and their participation in shaping the prosperous future of the State of Qatar. The amendments stem from a strong belief in the importance of national unity, social cohesion, inherited good values, and established national principles, the newspapers said. According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers emphasized that the wide participation in the referendum on the constitutional amendments reflects public awareness, not only of the goals and visions embedded in the amendments that serve the interest of the country but also a unique public understanding of the distinct nature of Qatari society which draws its strength from values of national unity and solidarity with its wise leadership in the face of all challenges. In an article by its editor-in-chief, Al-Ra ya newspaper said that citizens are heading to poll stations today to cast their votes on the draft constitutional amendments. This is taking place amidst overwhelming national sentiments that have taken over the public scene in Qatar over the past few weeks. The newspaper added that the primary driving force behind this national enthusiasm and public consensus in favor of the constitutional amendments is what was outlined in HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's speech during the inauguration of the 53rd session of the Shura Council, in which HH reviewed the outcomes of the evaluation of the Shura Council experience, which led to the proposal of the constitutional amendments, while emphasizing the importance of continued consultation as one of the most important forms of participation in public affairs. The paper affirmed that the widespread popular welcome and national enthusiasm for participating in the referendum, along with the anticipated consensus voting "Yes" on the amendments, is based on th e belief that these amendments will achieve the supreme interest of the State, strengthen values of justice and equality in rights and duties among the people of Qatar, and reinforce the unity of the people on one hand, and equal citizenship in rights and duties on the other hand. Al-Raya further noted that the scene of public interaction with the referendum on the constitutional amendments will remain one of the manifestations of strong belief in the importance of national unity and social cohesion, and steadfastness in inherited good values and established national principles. It affirmed HH the Amir's vision when he said, "Our values, morals, humility and patriotism are the sources of our strength and the justification for our confidence in the future." Today, Qatari citizens will fulfill the promise and renew the pledge by heading to polling stations to vote on the constitutional amendments and to solidify public participation in the homeland's journey to achieve more accomplishments, Al-Raya concluded. F or its part, Al-Sharq daily reported that citizens are flocking today to polling stations to express their opinions and exercise their constitutional right in the referendum on the draft constitutional amendments of 2024, based on Decree No. 87 of 2024, and to participate in shaping the prosperous future of Qatar. The newspaper pointed out that the General Referendum Committee has completed all the necessary preparations and arrangements to receive citizens, noting that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, accompanied by HE Minister of Interior, Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and Chairman of the General Referendum Committee Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, inspected the 15th Referendum Committee on the draft constitutional amendments for the Year 2024, in Barahat Msheireb. The inspection tour comes within the framework of checking the latest preparations and arrangements before the start of the voting proces s. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs urged citizens to participate effectively in the referendum and vote on the draft constitutional amendments, within the framework of the joint national duty and responsibility. Al-Sharq concluded by saying that the widespread welcome that the draft constitutional amendments have received from all segments of society, since their announcement, is a clear confirmation of the strong cohesion between the people of Qatar and HH the Amir. It also highlighted HH's insightful vision in achieving the supreme interest of the homeland and its citizens, stressing that the active participation in this historic event, which comes at an exceptional moment in the modern history of the State of Qatar, is a true embodiment of the spirit of belonging and loyalty to the country. It represents a popular contribution to decision-making in shaping Qatar's bright future and supporting the ongoing march of progress and comprehensive development.