Abu Dhabi: Polling officers — responsible for working on election day within the voting centre to assist voters, help maintain order and provide direction for voters — will undergo a monthlong training programme, ahead of the Federal National Council’s elections set to be held on October 3.
The course, conducted in cooperation with the Higher Colleges of Technology, will promote political awareness, raise awareness on the empowerment programme launched by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote political participation and the role of the Federal National Council in the promotion of political participation, said Tareq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Federal National Council Affairs, yesterday (Monday).
Lootah told a press conference held at the HCT Men’s College in Abu Dhabi that through this training programme, they are aiming to enhance the capabilities of voting staff by providing them with practical experience in the management of one of the most important national events.
“This project will contribute to the success of the electoral process and help create a culture of political participation,” Lootah said.
He added the programme will cover all aspects of the electoral process to ensure the officers are equipped with a high degree of professionalism in successful management of the electoral process.
Lootah stressed that the Federal National Council’s election marks a step forward in the implementation of the political empowerment programme to promote political participation and make the House a supportive element in the executive power in the country
Lootah said the National Election Committee is committed to building strategic partnerships with public and private entities to broaden the national efforts and citizen service to achieve complete implementation of this national mission.
Dr Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, Vice-Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, praised the UAE leadership for encouraging citizen participation in the electoral process and said: “The HCT, which is the largest higher educational institution in the country, has embraced the vision of the UAE leadership to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable development. We are keen to encourage educational practices that will help carry out the electoral process with the highest degree of professionalism.”
Al Shamsi explained that in order for a candidate to be eligible for the certificate, they must be Emiratis and complete the training course successfully. They must be above 21 years of age, and show commitment to working with the election centre teams across the UAE.
