Three emirates go to polls today

Dubai: The third and final day of the Federal National Council elections takes place today, with the process moving to Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.

After highly successful elections in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, for the first time ever the 1,856 members of the Electoral College from Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman will cast their votes.

High turnout

Voter turnout for the first two rounds on Saturday and Monday was described as "enthusiastic" with 60 per cent participation in Abu Dhabi, 90 per cent in Fujairah, 71 per cent in Dubai and 79 per cent in Ras Al Khaimah.

Today, the remaining seven members of the FNC will be elected from a total of 147 candidates.

After two weeks of campaigning several key issues have emerged across the emirates, including FNC reform; the high cost of living; education in the UAE; and healthcare.
After the shock result in Dubai which failed to elect any female candidate in Monday's round, all eyes will be on Sharjah, which has the highest number of women in the running at 27.

However, with only three seats up for grabs, competition between the 97 candidates will be tight.

Sharjah is entitled to a total of six seats in the new FNC, three of which are elected and three nominated by the Ruler of the emirate. Ajman and Umm Al Quwain have been allocated four seats each; two of which will be decided today in each emirate.

Sharjah

Eligible Voters
Total: 1,017
Female: 285
Male: 732
Key Issues
FNC reform
Emiratisation
Population make-up
Cost of living
Candidates
Total 97
Female 27
Male 70

Ajman

Eligible Voters
Total: 436
Female: 30
Male: 406
Key Issues
Emiratisation
Cost of living
Education
Housing
Candidates
Total 24
Female 2
Male 22

Umm Al Quwain

Eligible Voters
Total: 403
Female: 7
Male: 396
Key Issues
FNC reform
Health
Employment
Candidates
Total 26
Female 1
Male 25