Central Municipal Council

Qatar’s first Municipal Council was formed in the early 1950s.

On 08 March 1999, free elections were held to choose the members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) through direct representation. Both men and women participated in the elections.

The Council, which comprises 29 elected members representing 29 constituencies from more than 242 regions in the State of Qatar, is an independent entity that carries out its responsibilities without interference. CMC elections are held every four years and are counted from the date of its first meeting.

The Council operates according to the provisions of Law No. 12 of 1998 concerning the Regulations of the Central Municipal Council. It expresses its opinions by making recommendations and issuing decisions.

The Council is headed by a chairman who is elected directly by the members in their first assembly meeting. He has three administrative units: Office of the Chairman, Council Office and Public Relations.

According to Article 8 of Law No. 12 of 1998 concerning the Regulation of the Central Municipal, the CMC aims to use all available means to develop the country in municipal matters. To achieve this goal, the CMC has the following responsibilities:

• Monitoring the implementation of laws, decrees and regulations that fall under the responsibilities of the Ministry and the Council, including laws, decrees and regulations related to urban and industrial planning, infrastructure and other public system
• Overseeing the economic, financial and administrative management of municipal affairs and agriculture

Under the supervision of the Chairman, the Council forms a Secretariat General and recommends a Secretary General who is appointed by a decree issued by the Minister of Municipality. The Secretariat General comprises 5 administrative units: Secretary General Office, Legal Affairs Unit, Meeting and Members Affairs, Studies and Development and Common Services.

Members determine their work programme and budget and make recommendations to the Ministry of Municipality. Regular Council meetings with at least two thirds of its members are held in public in Doha every two weeks.