Qataris content with 1st legislative elections of nation

DOHA, QATAR - OCTOBER 02: Qatari voters said they are happy as the country held the first legislative elections on Saturday (Oct.2) with over 50 per cent voter turnout. “I’m happy to participate in this first experiment of legislative elections in Qatar,” Youssef Khaled Al-Khulaifi, a Qatari voter, told Anadolu Agency. He hoped that "this new experience" will be beneficial for the country in the long run. He also expressed his gratitude to the Gulf nation’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani “for providing this opportunity." For her part, female judge Sheikha Maha Mansour Al Thani said the voter turnout has “exceeded expectations”, noting that no difficulties have been reported at polling stations thanks to “the presence of a disciplined organization from state institutions and a high degree of awareness among voters." Voters cast their ballots to elect 30 members of the 45-seat advisory Shura Council, while the ruling emir will appoint the remaining 15 members. A total of 234 candidates are contesting in the polls to win seats in the advisory and legislative body, which discusses and approves general state policies, budgets and draft law proposals. (Footage by Serdar Bıtmez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)