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October 4, 2021

Qatar Holds First-Ever Legislative Election in Poll That Excludes Many from Voting
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Qatar held its first-ever legislative elections Saturday to select
two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council. Qatar does not allow political
parties, but the council has legislative authority over general state
policies and the country's budget. Hoping to make history, a handful of
women ran in the elections, but none won their seats. This is candidate
Aisha Hamam Al-Jasim.

Aisha Hamam al-Jasim: "I just say I'm strong. I'm capable. I see myself
I am same fit like you as a man. I don't see myself I am weaker. If you
want to see me as weak, that is up to you, but I am not weak. I am in
administrations."

In the run-up to the vote, Qatari authorities detained at least 21
citizens who were peacefully protesting laws around the elections that
bar certain people from running and voting.


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