UAE | Government
Voting starts in Dubai, RAK
The polling stations are open. Members of the Electoral College from Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah will have until 7pm to cast their votes in the second phase of the UAE's first ever elections.
- By Zoi Constantineand Abbas Al Lawati, Staff Reporters
- Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
- Workers ensure everything is in place for the influx of voters that will descend on Rashid Hall at the World Trade Centre today.
Dubai: Members of the Electoral College from Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have begun voting for the first time ever, in the second phase of the UAE's historic Federal National Council elections.
The first round in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on Saturday saw a 60 per cent and 90.4 per cent voter turnout respectively.
Seventy-seven candidates will contest four seats in Dubai, where 1,520 voters are to cast their ballots at the World Trade Centre between 8am and 7pm.
In Ras Al Khaimah, 80 candidates are running for three FNC seats, to be decided by 1,061 voters.
Upon witnessing the successful elections in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, Dubai's voters were upbeat about their turn.
Khowla Naboudah, a member of the Electoral College, told Gulf News that she expected the outcome of the Dubai elections to be similar to that of Abu Dhabi.
"I expect at least one seat to go to a woman because the people of Dubai are forward thinking," she said.
Rashid Mosabah Al Kindi Al Marar, one of the four winners in Abu Dhabi, described the process as a "step forward" for the country. "It will give more representation to the people."
Lana Nusseibah, Media and Communications Director at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, described the turnout in Abu Dhabi as "fantastic".
"Everyone was happy that the third highest number of votes was won by a woman," she said. "It shows that the UAE is ready for this political development."
Your comments
It's suprising for me to hear that there is a 90.4 percent voter turnout. It's amazing.
Vijaya
Chennai,India
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
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
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- 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
