UAE | Government
Gargash: UAE wants smooth election
Speaking at a seminar at the General Women's Union, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and head of the National Election Committee said: "Elections around the world are almost always associated with riots and protests.
- By Shireena Al Nowais, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:35 May 3, 2009
- Women candidates note down key points during the seminar organised by the General Women's union and NEC.
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: The government wants a smooth and organised election, a minister said yesterday.
Speaking at a seminar at the General Women's Union, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and head of the National Election Committee said: "Elections around the world are almost always associated with riots and protests.
"We [the UAE] don't want that to happen here. We want our elections to be organised and to go smoothly. Election day will be a major challenge for us and we must all contribute in making it successful."
Female candidates however were more concerned about having fair elections and qualified candidates elected.
Speaking to Gulf News, candidate Sabha Al Rashdi said: "It doesn't matter if I win or if it is another candidate who wins and I lose. What matters to me most is that the most qualified woman wins and that she is not looking for any personal gain but wants to serve her country. I was disappointed to see some candidates who want to be nominated for fame or personal gain."
She stressed that she, unlike others has no personal interests or gain out of these elections and her priority is to help solve the problems in the UAE.
If she wins, Sabha says that people with special needs will be topmost on her agenda.
"Unfortunately people with special needs are neglected. They are very talented people and most of them can be very productive and contribute to society if given the chance.
"I want to see people with special needs employed in government and private institutions."
Aisha Al Ali, the only female candidate representing Umm Al Quwain said she has a broad and comprehensive election campaign that discusses the problems of education, environment, and human resources, among others.
"I think it is important to invest in human resources and build a solid foundation for the UAE national."
Aisha who is also principal of Bint Al Shater primary school said that she wants to create solutions and help in the development of the UAE.
She said: "I think that a candidate's reputation will determine if they win or lose."
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