Electorate has mixed emotions over campaigns

Fujairah: With voting day for the Federal National Council fast approaching, and electioneering nearly over, some Electoral College members have expressed mixed emotions about the nature and value of the campaigns.

Mohammad Al Rangi says he has already made up his mind who to vote for but he has been a little disappointed by the lack of originality on the part of some candidates.

He said: "I have met many candidates and usually when I ask them about their programmes I hear reproduced and repeated issues, there is a lack of originality in the process and there are very few people who possess a comprehensive programme and have serious aspirations."

Al Rangi added: "Voters have a grave responsibility to elect the right people to the FNC, not for prestige or favour but for having the right credentials. After all, this person will represent our emirate in the FNC and will represent the country to the outside world, so the person elected should live up to these responsibilities, especially since the next FNC will have a lot of work ahead of it."

Engineer Mohammad Saif Al Afkham, says some candidates have stood out more than others.

He said: "Some candidates have included in their programmes new proposals and ideas gained from their own life experiences which they feel could benefit the country"

"Others have set themselves apart by adopting unique issues. For example, here in Fujairah only one candidate I know has promised to find ways to help artists and creative minds fulfill their potential."

Overall, however, Al Afkham is very happy with the new experience and he believes everyone has gained from it. He said: "There are no losers here we're all winners because we have taken part in a historical leap."

Mohammad Al Rangi was also in full agreement saying: "Everybody has benefited from this new experience, not just those in the Electoral College, everybody is talking about this and hopefully in the future it will be even bigger and better for all."