Abu Dhabi: Election to the UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) will be held on December 16, 18 and 20, WAM reported.
The Cabinet yesterday approved the dates in an ordinary meeting under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Cabinet also allocated Dh16 million to be added to the general budget to support electoral process. It reviewed the report presented by Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, regarding preparations for the FNC elections.
The council of ministers was also briefed about the awareness campaign laun-ched to introduce the election and the electronic voting system.
Women's role
The National Election Committee (NEC) has approved 6,689 Electoral College members including 1,189 women from the seven emirates. Women account for 18 per cent of the Electoral College members across the UAE, which shows the country's interest in their political role, Dr Gargash said yesterday.
"Women are being encouraged to play a strong role in this election. UAE women have been an essential part of the economic, social, and cultural advancement of this country, and the nomination of 1,189 women is evidence of their importance. We hope a number of them will win a seat to the FNC," Dr Gargash said.
The Cabinet also approved the setting up of National Conference Commission to be chaired by Ahmad Humaid Al Mazroui.
Board members of the commission are Hilal Saeed Al Murri, Awad Hadher Al Muhairi, Mattar Saif Al Shamsi and Mohammad Mattar Al Ka'abi.
