Qatar parliamentary election list sees 29 women candidates

Qatar on Tuesday announced a preliminary list for nominees in October's parliamentary elections, which includes 29 women.

Some 294 candidates were named on the list, competing for 30 seats in Qatar's Shura Council, an advisory and legislative body.

The Gulf state will hold its first legislative elections on 2 October with Qataris electing 30 members of the 45-seat body. The remaining 15 seats will be chosen by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Among the candidates are 29 women, with the final list to be revealed on 15 September.

At least 40 women applied to be candidates in the election, Doha News reported on Monday.

Qataris have until 2 September to object to any candidates named on the list.

Emir Tamim Al-Thani approved changes to state law in July which paved the way for Qatar's first general election to take place in October.

The body will approve the state's budget and have other legislative powers.