Ajman: 'Initial indications encouraging'

Ajman: Voting began briskly this morning in Ajman in the last and final phase of the Federal National Council (FNC) elections.

Around 40 people, including a number of candidates, were lined up at the doors of Shaikh Zayed Hall at Ajman University, before voting began at 8.30am, slightly behind schedule.

The early voters included a number of elderly members of Ajman's 436-member Electoral College and there was a sense of anticipation as they waited to cast their votes for the first time.

There are 24 candidates, including two women, contesting two seats. The number of voters totals 436.

A number of early voters encountered some problems with the e-voting process, but were guided through by election officials, before successfully casting their red ballots.

The first person from Ajman to vote was candidate Abdul Aziz Khalifa Al Mowaiji and the first woman was Aisha Kajour, also a candidate.

At around 9.40am Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, arrived at the polling station and toured the facilities, speaking to election officials, who briefed him on the morning's events.

“Initial indications here in Ajman are very encouraging, and I expect a high turnout today in the three emirates,'' he said. “As with my other visits, things seem to be flowing well and all seems in order.''

Dr. Gargash also said that he hoped voters chose the candidates who will be best suited for the job and praised the e-voting system, describing it as “confidential, fast and highly-advanced.''