The elections are only the third to the emirate-wide 29-seat council which advises the ministry of municipal affairs and agriculture.

Only the 174,000 native citizens among Qatar’s 750,000 population will have the vote.

Women have had the franchise since the first elections in 1999. In the second election in 2003, one woman won a seat.

The authorities have promised elections to a national assembly but, despite indications that they would be held early this year, no date has yet been set.