Festive mood pervades polling centres

Dubai/Ras Al Khaimah: The UAE flag covering the entire ceiling of the polling station in Dubai clearly reflected the spirit of the second day of the Federal National Council (FNC) elections.

While voters took part to decide on the four new members to represent the emirate, many said their ballots were cast with the future of the entire country in mind.

The morning saw a flood of voters, forcing organisers to cordon off areas of the polling station to those who had already cast their ballots, following an intervention by the election observers.

However, from early on, the voting took on a relaxed atmosphere with voters and candidates interacting and congratulating each other for taking part in the "historic occasion."

Traditional Arabic coffee was served throughout the day and many candidates and voters convened in majlis-style seating.

By late afternoon, voting had slowed considerably, but the almost-festive mood continued, with a number of candidates opting to bring their families along.

One candidate could be seen with his children, still in their school uniforms to witness their father taking part. Friends and supporters of many of the candidates were also on hand.

There was festivity as voters streamed into the polling station in Ras Al Khaimah, but as the day wore on tension was palpable.

Candidates in Ras Al Khaimah stayed at the Cultural centre all through the day and into the evening waiting for the results to be announced.

They called their supporters, urging them to turn out in strong numbers to cast their vote.