UAE | General
Scholar lauds FNC election process
The Federal National Council (FNC) elections, to be held this month, should be the first step towards a genuine democratic process, according to a leading UAE strategist, who said it would be "a mistake" to stop there.
- By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 December 1, 2006
- Image Credit: Gulf nEWS
- Emirati scholar Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi says that the electoral process should lead to universal suffrage.
Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) elections, to be held this month, should be the first step towards a genuine democratic process, according to a leading UAE strategist, who said it would be "a mistake" to stop there.
In an interview with Weekend Review, Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, adviser to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and director general of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, said the electoral process, should lead to the introduction of "universal suffrage to extend the right to vote to all UAE adults, so that all people have a say in the running of the government. This of course occurs after two or three experiences, which lead to direct elections"
He added: "Democracy can be achieved through elections. That means no confidence motions in parliament, press freedom and free civil society organisations."
However, it would not necessarily lead to the creation of political parties. "We Emiratis do not need political parties," he said.
Dr Al Suwaidi, who is also a member of the new National Media Council, said democracy also requires freedom of expression and press freedom is vital for this.
"Chronic problems in society must be addressed or the situation will get worse and worse. A powerful parliament and free press keep governments clean." The UAE, he said, should have a free but "responsible" press.
Related Links
"Journalists should be given the right to publish and other parties have the right to bring them to court. But authoritarian orders and influence to throw the journalist into jail should not be used."
He said the UAE's Constitution must be the supreme law of the land and it should govern everyone. "There should be zero tolerance for violation of the constitution."
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Car seats for children: Unsafe at any speed
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
