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Rethinking Local Electoral Participation and Governance in the GCC: Beyond Citizenship
Abstract
This chapter critically examines the exclusion of non-citizen residents from municipal elections across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and its implications for governance, community engagement, and social development. Despite comprising the majority population in several Gulf states, expatriates and long-term residents are systematically denied local participation. The research highlights how this exclusion undermines accountability, weakens service delivery, and reinforces socio-political hierarchies. Through a comparative policy analysis and literature review, the chapter argues that extending local electoral rights to non-citizen residents is not merely a democratic ideal but a practical necessity. It draws on global models—from New York to Abu Dhabi—to demonstrate how inclusive participation enhances transparency, civic trust, and social cohesion. The chapter concludes with actionable policy recommendations for reforming electoral frameworks and fostering inclusive urban governance in the GCC.
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