Indian community gears up for apex bodies’ elections

MEMBERS of the Indian community in Qatar are gearing up for elections to various apex organisations of the community, expected to be held in December 2020 or January 2021.

The two-year tenure of office-bearers of various apex bodies, namely, the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), the Indian Business Professionals Council (IBPC) and the Indian Sports Council (ISC) that function under the aegis of the Indian Embassy, is ending next month.

For the first time, the elections will be held online, allowing members to cast their votes even if they are outside Qatar. The final committee will comprise elected members as well as members nominated by the Indian ambassador.

The Indian community considers the elections are important as the next two years will witness several important events taking place in Qatar, including major sporting events, where organisations such as ISC, ICC and IBPC can play vital roles, which will in turn provide opportunities for investment and business for Indian expatriates.

SAM Bashir, president of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), one of the largest socio-cultural forums in Qatar having over 25,000 members, said, “The democratic pro

cedure followed in electing members to these organisations is its beauty. The election allows Indian community to elect their representatives fearlessly and freely, while having an opportunity to experience the soul of the democratic process.”

Bashir ruled out rumours in the community about waiving elections to some apex bodies this time and nominating the committees. He said, “I don’t welcome any nominated bodies. It is against the existing practice elections will go on according to the existing procedure.”

The ICC has over 2, 00 members, while ICBF has more than 3,000 members, IBPC has over 300 members and ISC has nearly 1,400 members.

According to informed sources, a few members leading the existing committees are planning to contest the elections again.