Hope and diffidence in varying measures

Abu Dhabi: Emiratis expressed sentiments ranging from hope to diffidence when Gulf News approached them for views on tomorrow's elections.

Ibtihal Hussain, an engineer, said: "I believe that many UAE citizens will not show up for the ballot out of the belief that the government has done its best to improve their lot."

She added: "I will not cast my vote for any candidate though I have two cousins in the elections."

Ebrahim Salem, a doctor, had this advice: "We should celebrate and grab this opportunity by voting for those whom we believe they deserve our votes based on their services to the community and to the country."

Tamathor Saeed, a teacher, observed: "This year's elections will be marked by the dominance of the tribe allegiances and personal relations on vote. The programmes of some candidates are quite practical and, if implemented, the country will be one of the best in the region."

Amany Ali, a lawyer, said she prefers not to vote in the absence of independent monitors. "I believe that having no external and independent entities in charge of monitoring the elections goes against the spirit of general elections."

Khalid Abdullah, a government employee, said she remained undeterred by rumours of attempts to influence the vote's outcome. "In spite of all the rumours of vote-buying, I believe it is a must to vote; if the FNC representation is not qualified, it is the people to blame for not selecting and voting for the right individuals."