Political liveliness 'is evident'

Abu Dhabi/Fujairah: Out of a total 6,689 possible candidates across the UAE, at least 40 have announced their intention to run for the Federal National Council elections, scheduled for December 16, 18 and 20.

Of these, six women said they will contest the elections.

"This early candidacy for the FNC elections shows that the UAE is experiencing a wave of political liveliness," Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, State Minister for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs told Gulf News.

These early candidates, he added, will encourage other Electoral College members to participate.

Of the few woman candidates, Abu Dhabi resident Salameh Al Rumaithi said her role would not be limited to women's issues and said she was determined to address all problems of concern to society.

Ahmad Bin Shabib Al Dhahiri, an executive manager at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, said his manifesto would focus on speeding up the issue of the UAE Elections Code, the most important step towards direct elections. In Dubai Ahmad Thani Al Matroushi, managing director of Emaar, said traffic and congestion would be his core election issue.

Ahmad Saeed Al Ghandi said he would endeavour to increase the salaries of government officials and to break the monopoly of commodities and services. Shaikha Mohammad Saeed Al Mullah, another female candidate, said she would focus on the problems of the family, women and social security.

Saif Moaili, Director of Fujairah Scientific Club, is hopeful his first-hand experience working with youths will serve him well in his election bid.

Mohammad Al Mulla, a prominent businessman, has also set himself the task of providing more opportunities for youths

Dr Sultan Al Moadhen, Head of Personnel Section at Fujairah Police, also highlighted youth issues, as well as raising a number of issues concerning Fujairah.