UAE | General
UAE expats call for fair vote
Many Palestinian expatriates living in the UAE have unanimously agreed the elections are a great step towards achieving their dream of establishing an independent state and regaining their legitimate rights.
- By Khitam Al Amir, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 25, 2006
Dubai: Many Palestinian expatriates living in the UAE have unanimously agreed the elections are a great step towards achieving their dream of establishing an independent state and regaining their legitimate rights.
Gulf News asked some of them what they thought about the elections and what they think the future holds.
Nael Saleem, 48, a press officer for the Bonyan Group, said: "All Palestinians of various political affiliations and armed groups should take part in such a landmark election to have their say in shaping the future of their country."
The results should be respected irrespective of who wins the elections, he added.
Achievement
Wiaam Rabah, 27, a sales consultant, said: "Palestinians must perform their right like other nations in the world. However, the elections should be free and fair, so that Palestinians elect whoever they believe can represent them in parliament."
Mousa. A, 55, a retired pilot, said: "The elections are an achievement for the Palestinian people, but I believe the results are already known, because the United States and Israel want to prevent Hamas candidates from winning the majority of seats in parliament."
He questioned whether the US would accept others intervening in its domestic affairs.
Raeef Al Salous, 39, a manager, said: "As we hope a real democracy will be established in our homeland, we wish the elections to be fair and free.
"The elections are a step in the right direction, we hope the US and the international community will honour the results of the elections if they are really interested in achieving democracy in the Arab region as they always say."
Afaf Yousuf, 45, a teacher and mother of five, believes the US will try hard to prevent Hamas from being part of the Palestinian political process and will do anything to support candidates from the Fatah faction to win the elections.
No right
"The US has no right to decide another nation's fate, and hence, it should not interfere in the elections to allow certain groups to win the elections," she added.
Jamal Al Ramahi, 40, a marketing manager, said all Palestinian groups should participate in forming a national cabinet, "calling on Palestinians to prevent any attempts to sabotage the elections".
Latest news
- Sharjah boy tops Indian board's class 12 exams
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- 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
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Smart e-Gate system launched
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
