Call for representation of women

Ajman: His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, toured the emirate's polling station earlier today, calling on his fellow leaders to give women “their dues'' by appointing female members to the Federal National Council (FNC), if they do not poll well in today's elections.

Shaikh Humaid arrived at the polling station in Shaikh Zayed Hall, Ajman University, and was taken through voting procedures by the Secretary General of the National Elections Committee (NEC) Tariq Lootah.

Asked about his advice for new members of the FNC, Shaikh Humaid said he hoped that they would “serve their country and its citizens'' and urged them to “cooperate'' with ministers.

“I ask them to cooperate with ministers even if they find that they have fallen short of their obligations,'' he said, singling out the Kuwaiti parliament as an example not to be followed. “Please treat your ministers with respect. They are your colleagues.''

Voting began briskly this morning in Ajman in the last and final phase of the FNC elections, which will see two new members elected from Ajman's 24 candidates.

Around 40 people, including a number of candidates, were lined up at the doors of the polling station before voting began at 8.30am slightly behind schedule.

The early voters included a number of elderly members of Ajman's 436-member Electoral College and there was a sense of anticipation and excitement as they waited to cast their votes for the first time.

A number of early voters encountered problems with the e-voting process, but were guided through by election officials, before successfully casting their red ballots.

The first person from Ajman to vote was candidate Abdul Aziz Khalifa Al Mowaiji. Aisha Kajour, also a candidate, was the first woman.

At around 9.30am, Dr. Anwar Gargash Minister of State for FNC Affairs, arrived at the polling station and toured the facilities, speaking with election officials, who briefed him on the morning's events.

“Initial indications here in Ajman are very encouraging, and I expect a high turnout today in all three emirates,'' he said. “As with my other visits, things seem to be flowing well and all seems in order.''

Dr. Gargash also said that he hoped voters chose the candidates who will be best suited for the job and praised the e-voting system, describing it as “confidential, fast and highly-advanced.''