Sharjah to have fully-elected municipal council

Sharjah: Representatives of municipal and sub-district councils will be fully elected to their positions, it was announced on Thursday’s session of the Sharjah Consultative Council.

The move drew high praise from senior echelons of government in Sharjah.

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, made the announcement.

There are currently nine municipal councils in the emirate, namely Sharjah City, Khor Fakkan, Bataeh, Al Hamriya, Maliha, Dibba Al Hosn, Al Madam, Al Dhaid and Kalba.

Municipal councils are responsible for promoting civic engagement among Emiratis, and are made up of 85 members –- including a chairperson –- who were sworn in at the beginning of March this year.

Members of the council serve a two-year term and play a key role in the management and development of their community.

In his speech, Dr Shaikh Sultan told the Advisory Council of the emirate: “Every member of the council has the freedom to say without prejudice and without the false accusation and not be held accountable. Half of the members of the council are appointed by me, and I am the father of all. We will take responsibility for what goes on in the suburbs to the members of the provincial councils who will be elected fully. We hope you will charge me before Almighty Allah in Day of Judgement.”

Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, director of Al Hamriyah Municipality, praised the directives of Dr Shaikh Sultan on the election of the municipal and sub-district councils.

Al Shamsi said the directives will aim to promote people’s roles in Sharjah and highlight the importance of participation in decision-making.

He pointed out that the emirate of Sharjah is proud of the success of the election of the Consultative Council, which was held in 2015, and looked forward to the upcoming municipal elections as well as the councils of the suburbs to be an active partner in development.

Abdullah Mattar Al Kitbi, member of the Advisory Council of the emirate of Sharjah and Chairman of the Committee of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Municipalities, Security Affairs and Public Utilities, said that the directives will help in the pursuit of a good life for citizens and to be close to them and know their needs through the elected councils.

He stressed that the move will help council members communicate the citizen’s opinions and needs to higher authorities.