'We should be working with the youth to get them involved'

Dubai: Voters in the Federal National Council election should make sure to vote only for candidates who are capable of discharging their responsibilities as representatives of the people, a candidate said recently.

At a meeting held in Dubai, Mohammad Al Joker, who is a sports journalist for Al Bayan newspaper, said: "The election process is like a tournament and winners will take up their seats in parliament according to their skills and with the people's support."

He stressed that parliament members should not be sitting in ivory towers but should be one among the people in order to better understand the difficulties faced by the people who voted them in.

Al Joker, 51, Deputy Managing Editor of Al Bayan newspaper, graduated from the Faculty of Journallism at Emirates University. He is a veteran sports journalist in the UAE, with over 30 years of experience.

"When people like me get involved in politics, they really can change a lot of things," he said.

Al Joker said that his long experience has given him a deeper understanding of UAE nationals' needs and demands, as well as made him close to the people and approachable.

"This is one of the most important skills that a parliament member should have to play his role as a facilitator between the government and the people."

Al Joker launched his electoral campaign with the slogan "From the nation to serve the nation", carrying a very comprehensive and broad electoral programme that includes social, economic and political issues in the country.

Reaching out

He stressed that strategies should be proposed that succeed in reaching all minorities, including those on the margins, as a result of social class, geographical location and family status. "Also, we should be working with young people to help them get involved with and influence the activities of the parliament."

He promised that once he reaches the parliament he will reconnect between parliament and the public through increased development and institutionalisation of parliamentary outreach.

You can contact Al Joker on Facebook: Mohammed Al Joker

and Twitter: @MohammedAlJoker