Qatar's first legislative elections for seats of Shura Council witness 44% turnout

Qataris voted on Saturday in the country's first legislative elections for two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council.

Qataris voted on Saturday in the Gulf Arab state's first legislative elections for two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council, a process that has stirred domestic debate about electoral inclusion and citizenship.

Turnout for the election of 30 members of the 45-seat body was 44%, the elections' Supervisory Committee said. The ruling emir will continue to appoint the remaining 15 Council members.