Ahmad Zayed, a professor of shari'a at Qatar University, said in a debate on Al-Araby TV (U.K.) last week that Islamic law permits non-Muslims to run for office, but that it is impermissible for Muslims to vote for non-Muslim candidates, since shari'a says the ruler must be a Muslim, reportes Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
Qatar-based Saudi academic Raed Al-Samhouri also participated in the debate.