His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ratified the constitutional amendments of 2024 to the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, after reviewing the results of the referendum held on Tuesday, 3rd of Jumada Al-Awwal 1446, corresponding to the 5th of November 2024, and the constitutional amendments achieving an approval rate of 90.6% of the overall valid votes. These amendments are effective from the date of announcing the referendum results and shall be published in the Official Gazette.
The constitutional amendments include substituting the texts of Articles (1), (7), (13), (74), (77), (80), (81), (83), (86), (103), (104), (114), (117), and (150) of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, in addition to adding Article (75 bis), Article (125/final paragraph), and canceling Articles (78), (79), and (82) from the Constitution, as follows:
Article (1)
Qatar is an independent sovereign Arab State. Its religion is Islam and Shari'a Law shall be a main source of its legislations. Its political system is democratic based on Shura, justice and the rule of law. The Arabic Language shall be its official language. The people of Qatar are a part of the Arab nation.
Article (7)
The foreign policy of the State is based on the principle of strengthening international peace and security by means of encouraging peaceful resolution of international disputes, and in accordance with the role of the State in resolving these disputes at the regional and international levels through mediation and dialogue, and what this entails in terms of maintaining balanced relations with all parties; shall support the right of peoples to self-determination; and shall not interfere in the domestic affairs of states; and shall cooperate with peace-loving nations.
Article (13)
Without prejudice to the provisions of the two preceding articles, and where it is not possible to delegate powers to the Heir Apparent, or in other circumstances that he deems appropriate, the Amir may craft Amiri Order, designates a deputy from the Ruling Family to discharge some of his powers and functions; as long as the person who has been so designated holds a post or performs a function in any institution, the same person shall cease to discharge the duties of that post or function during his deputation of the Amir; and the Deputy Amir shall render after his designation in front of the Amir the same oath that has been sworn by the Heir Apparent.
Article (74)
The Amir shall take the following oath prior to the discharge of his functions: I swear by Almighty God to respect Sharia law, the Constitution and the law, preserve the independence of the State, protect its territorial integrity, and defend the freedom and interests of its people.
Article (77)
The Shura Council shall consist of no less than forty-five members, and the appointment of the members shall be issued by an Amiri Order.
Article (80)
The member of the Shura Council must fulfill the following conditions:
1. To be a holder of the Qatari nationality.
2. To be fluent in Arabic reading and writing.
3. Not to have been convicted for an offense involving moral turpitude or dishonesty unless rehabilitated in accordance with the law.
4. To be part of knowledgeable and wise people or part of efficient and experts.
Article (81)
The term of the Shura Council shall be four calendar years commencing from the date of the first meeting, and the new council members shall be appointed during the last 60 days of the aforementioned term. If the designation is not issued at the expiry of the council's term or delayed for any reason whatsoever, the term of the council shall remain legitimate until a new council is elected. The legislative term must not be extended unless for necessity and by decree provided that the said extension shall not exceed the period of one legislative term.
Article (83)
If a seat of a member of the Shura Council becomes vacant before the end of his or her term for any reason, HH the Amir shall appoint another member within a month from the date the council announces this vacancy. The term of the new member shall last until the end of the council's term. However, if the vacancy occurs during the two months preceding the end of the council's term, no replacement member shall be appointed.
Article (86)
If the council's meeting is delayed beyond the annual date stipulated in the previous article, the duration of the session shall be reduced by the difference between the two dates.
Article (103)
The membership of any members may not be revoked unless he or she lose trust and credibility, either lose one of the membership conditions, or fail to fulfill his or her membership duties. And the decision to revoke membership must be issued by the council with a two-thirds majority of its members.
Article (104)
In cases of necessity and public interest requirements, HH the Amir may dissolve the Shura Council by a decree. And if the council is dissolved, a new council must be appointed no later than six months from the date of dissolution. Until the new council is appointed, HH the Amir, with the assistance of the Council of Ministers, shall run legislative authority.
Article (114)
It is not permitted to combine membership in the Shura Council with holding public office in the state, except in cases where such combination is allowed by law.
Article (117)
Only those are holding the Qatari nationality may assume the position of minister.
Article (150)
The amended temporary basic system issued on the 19 th of April 1972 is cancelled, thereby the current Shura Council shall continue to discharge its functions until the members of the new Shura Council are appointed.
The constitutional amendments also include the addition of the following two texts to the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar: (75 bis) HH the Amir may invite the ruling family council, the people of authority and influence, and the Shura Council, or any of them, to discuss matters he deems important, and (125/last paragraph), (HE the Prime Minister may delegate some of his powers to his deputies and ministers).
The constitutional amendments included the repeal of Article (78) (The electoral system shall be issued by law, specifying the conditions and procedures for nomination and election), Article (79) (The electoral districts into which the state is divided and the areas of each shall be determined by decree), and Article (82) (The law shall designate the judicial authority responsible for determining the validity of the elections of the members of the Shura Council).