Sharjah voters anxious but positive

Sharjah: There was excitement tinged with anxiety as voters streamed in to cast their ballots in the final round of the Federal National Council (FNC) election that got under way here.

Gates opened at the Sharjah Expo Center at 7am, and Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, cast the first vote at 8am.

Ninety-seven candidates, including 27 women, are contesting three seats in Sharjah. The electorate comprises 1,017 voters.

Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, toured the polling center in the morning. Tariq Hilal Lootah, NEC member, said the process was going smoothly. "Electronic voting makes the voting process easy. The UAE is the first in the region to use electronic voting. It is a good experience and a well planned one. I think we have done well," he said.

Candidates arrived at the polling centre early. They seemed tense as voters cast their votes. Dr. Aisha Al Busmait, a candidate, said: "We entered the elections with the hope that a woman will be elected from each emirate. The fact that no woman was voted from Dubai has sent us a negative message. We are anxious today and hope a woman will be elected from Sharjah.''

Abdullah Bin Khadem, a candidate, said: "The election has proved that the people in the UAE are united and support each other. This is the first democratic experience, which will prove to be successful."

Rashid Allai, another candidate, said he hopes that he will win to serve his country and the people.

Dr. Adel Khamis Al Memari, a voter, said: "I voted for the right people who will represent the country and support UAE nationals. Khamis Salem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Districts and Village Affairs, and a voter, said "This is a great experience for the UAE. It was not open to everybody, but we hope in the future everyone will participate. The three winners will represent the entire country and should carry out their responsibilities."

Ali EIsa, an official at the Planning and Survey Department, and a voter, said he voted for three people who he thinks are qualified to represent the people.