FNC needs to expand its role in governance

The new Federal National Council (FNC) takes office at a very important time for the UAE and the whole Arab world. As the UAE is celebrating the huge achievement of completing 40 years as a successful federation, the Arab world is going through a time of great political change. In these circumstances, there is a great responsibility on the new FNC members to perform to the highest standards and to look seriously at how to expand the FNC's role and increase its duties in the government of the UAE.

Half of the new FNC was elected by the largest Electoral College in the history of the UAE. While this was an appointed college and not the universal suffrage that many have called for, nonetheless, the new members have an important mandate from the people which they have a duty to honour. The new members need to look at new ways to keep in touch with their electorate, and communicate their ideas and debates to the public at large.

The low voter turnout was caused in large part by many citizens being unaware of what the FNC does; and its important potential as the vehicle for more participatory government in the UAE. The FNC members need to tackle this ignorance head-on and conceive new methods to involve the general public in the affairs of the FNC.

In addition, for decades the FNC has been restricted to commenting on draft laws, without any binding authority to change or amend them; and calling ministers to attend the FNC to answer questions from the members. The present FNC should look at how to expand its role to include the right to amend laws; and also to originate laws (which authority currently vests with ministries). The UAE needs an FNC with a much larger role in government.