A dream nearing fulfilment

There is encouraging news coming from Umm Al Quwain. The emirate has started the process of electing half of its representatives to the Federal National Council (FNC) by choosing the local council, which will nominate and elect two members; the Ruler will nominate two additional members.

This initial move sets in motion the political reform plan, announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the UAE's 34th National Day celebrations last December. It was then that it was first mooted to expand the participation of citizens in the decision-making process and give the FNC a bigger role in running national affairs.

The Umm Al Quwain move sets in motion a process that demonstrates the credibility and integrity of the declaration. While other countries have announced similar plans, they remained unfulfilled promises. Instead, the UAE has clearly shown the decision will be implemented, even if it might be a gradual process.

There are some people who would like to speed up the proposed reforms, or have all 40 members of the FNC elected, instead of only half. But they also recognise that for the process to succeed, it must be well planned and executed.

Therefore, the reforms must be introduced in stages, coupled with a public awareness, taking into consideration that the UAE people have not taken part in such ventures before. Moreover, the plan is an indigenous concept and is not imported from elsewhere or dictated by external parties. It has come about through the conviction of the UAE leadership that the country is evolving and not oblivious to the democratic developments taking place in the region.

It is with eager anticipation we look forward to the next steps in the process, when other emirates nominate and elect their representatives, as it is a dream coming true.