Journalist feels nose for news will help to understand constituency

Dubai: A female candidate for Federal National Council (FNC) elections in Dubai said her background in journalism could help her win more votes.

The elections will be held on December 16, 18 and 20.

Mona Bu Samra, a reporter at Al Ittihad Arabic daily, told Gulf News that her ten-year career as a journalist helped her get a good understanding of the concerns of UAE nationals and Emirati society.

Having studied and started her career in journalism, Mona has only worked with one newspaper, and has covered various issues from youth to women's issues.

"I feel that I am closer to the people because I am a journalist. It's a field job so I know how people think in different strata of our society," she said.

Through her work, she added, she has gotten to know many of the voters. "I have interviewed some of these people as a journalist and know them well"

The elections, she said, would not be her first democratic experience. "My election to the journalist's association was the first step, and this will be the second step."

Mona, who did not wish to reveal details about her platform, said that she would do so on the first official day of campaigning.

Ahmad Saeed Al Kindi, 40, a businessman who also registered his candidacy, said his main concern was increasing the power of the FNC.

Al Kindi told Gulf News he did not plan to set up a campaign tent, as is done during elections in neighbouring countries, because he considered it was a long procedure that required approval from several authorities.

"Instead, I will promote my programme through the Dubai Press Club," he said. "I will invite former members of the FNC to support my campaign."

Another issue on his programme was addressing the "demographic problems" in the UAE, saying that addressing the issue would be the first step in "solving other problems".

Like other candidates, other issues that topped his list were inflation and unemployment. According to Al Kindi, the cost of living has risen dramatically.

On unemployment, he said, the private sector could be encouraged to take in more UAE nationals "which it can accommodate".