Elections are a way to progress, say nationals

Dubai: The initiative announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is historic and will give the people a key say in the affairs of the country, a cross-section of UAE nationals said yesterday.

Ghobash Bin Nasser, 32, said it is a wise decision. "We will have some kind of democracy in our country and it's a very good move towards progress," he said. "All UAE nationals will benefit from this decision. The elected members will come from the people and those who voted for them will be represented in the Federal National Council (FNC). This is true democracy," he said.

Khalifa Al Mazroui, a 25-year-old student, said elections will allow nationals to get more involved in the decision-making process. "Letting citizens vote in the elections is a historical move in the UAE and will be much appreciated worldwide," he said. "It will enable the people to put the right person in the right place."

Abdul Hamid Darwish, 32, said the election is a sign of progress and prosperity the UAE has achieved. "Elections will allow citizens to have some kind of interaction in political life."

Badr Hamad, 29, said people will look forward to the election. It will give the people a chance to express what they want, to share their opinions and ideas to build the country. "It can be done by electing FNC members from the people," he said.

Arif Al Amiri, 28, described the decision as 'a step forward'. "By allowing the vote we will be able to reflect concerns and needs through the elected members of FNC," he said.

"There will be a clear line of representatives for UAE nationals and I believe that the level of education we have reached will allow us to know exactly who we want to elect."

Positive effect

Hamad Al Zubaidi, a 42-year-old engineer, said the decision can't come at a better time. "The entire world is practising democracy and it's the UAE's turn to do so," he said. "I hope everyone will be able to vote, especially women. If women vote, the move will be highly appreciated across the world."

"The election process will boost the development of our country and will place it among other countries that have democracy and freedom of choosing people who can represent the common man," said Ali Saeed, a 50-year-old national.

"The decision is a good one because people will be able to choose their representatives who will take their concerns to the higher authorities. I think the decision will positively affect the success and accomplishments of the country," said Hamda Mohammad, a 25-year-old national.

Mohammad Abdullah Bin Natoof, 29, said it is a good move because the interests of the common man and the country will be the priority."

"This is a big step for our country and the nationals will be able to express their opinions," said Khadijah Saleh, 23.

Jasim Mohammad, 22, said: "It is good that the government will take the opinions of nationals and will make them a part of the decision-making process. There will be democracy like other countries".