Dubai: A call on members of the Electoral College to exercise their voting rights and take part in the Federal National Council (FNC) elections, on Saturday, was made on Wednesday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
In pictures: Preparations for the FNC elections
In a message to the nation carried by WAM, Shaikh Mohammad said the election is “a test of the people of the UAE to exercise their right in electing the candidates whom they deem as good, competent and able to carry over their views into the council,” established in 1972 as a bridge between the government and the people.
This election is the second where 20 of the 40-member council will be elected. The rest will be chosen by Rulers. This election has 467 candidates, including 85 women.
The Vice-President called on eligible voters to maintain on election day and all other national occasions “a high sense of belonging and practice this experiment in a civilised, democratic manner away from prevarication and personal courtesy at the expense of national interest”.
“We consider the FNC a free national platform which has immunity as a legislative authority that supports national decision-making, offers sound advice and opinion to the government in tackling internal and external issues.
“Furthermore, the house acts as a key channel in shaping the future of the country and its promising generations,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
“You are today writing a new chapter in the success story of our beloved country and its leadership and excellence in several domains and fields. Loyalty to the homeland and leadership is indivisible,” he added.
Commitment
Meanwhile, Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee (NEC), said President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s message urging broad participation in the elections reflects the leadership’s commitment to empower the council and enhance political participation.
The NEC called on all candidates to stop all forms of campaigning as of today in line with article 49 of the executive instructions of the FNC elections.
Tarek Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, and NEC member, said September 4-21, the period set for campaigning, was sufficient for candidates to present their manifestos and explain and publicise their objectives.
Lootah was referring to some complaints made recently by some of the candidates that the campaigning time was not sufficient to present their views to potential voters.
Lootah also stressed “the need not to campaign on election day, or send people to stay around the polling stations or try to influence voters heading to the voting centres”.
Living in a golden age
Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, said Emirati women are living in a golden age as they are represented by 46 per cent of the Electoral College in this election, WAM reported.
“I call upon our sisters and daughters nationwide to participate effectively in the elections to complement the process of women’s empowerment,” Shaikha
Fatima said, adding that Emirati women have an effective presence in public life, and occupy senior posts in the Federal Cabinet, Federal National Council and work in different sectors of the economy.
