Qatar holds first legislative elections

The huge number of foreign workers in Qatar means nationals make up only 10% of the population of 2.8 million, and even then not all Qataris are eligible to vote

Qataris go to the polls on October 2 in the Gulf Arab State's first legislative elections, to choose two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council in a vote that has stirred domestic debate about electoral inclusion and citizenship.

Thirty members of the 45-seat body will be elected, while the ruling emir will continue to appoint the remaining 15 members of the Council, which will have legislative authority and approve general State policies and the budget.

The Council has no control over executive bodies setting defence, security, economic and investment policy for the small but wealthy gas producer, which bans political parties.