Registration for FNC elections continues

Ras Al Khaimah: Registration for FNC elections in the northern emirates is in full swing as 11 more people filed their papers in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah on day three of filing of nominations.

In Ras Al Khaimah, five people registered on Tuesday, and among them was 40-year-old mechanical engineer, Abdul Aziz Al Shehi.

“It’s a nice feeling to have filed the nomination papers. I hope my name will be in the final list. It’s an honour to be part of this historic process and I will try to make the best use of whatever opportunity I get,” said Al Shehi.

Among the nominees was also a retired government official, Mahair Rashid Al Khatiri, from the Al Hamraniya region of Ras Al Khaimah, who is looking forward to serving his people and developing his region further.

After his nomination, Ahmad Al Shamsi, a 49-year-old resident of Al Jazirah Al Hamrah, said: “There is no bigger honour than serving your nation and this is a golden opportunity and I hope to grab this chance to serve my community in particular.”

In Fujairah, four people filed their nominations on Tuesday.

“The first day saw 17 people registering for nominations but the last two days have been slow with four each. We hope to get more nominees in the next two days,” said Mohammad Ahmad Ganem, head of the election centre in Fujairah.

Fujairah sends two elected representatives to the FNC, while Ras Al Khaimah sends three.

On day one, 102 candidates — 14 women and 88 men — registered at the nine centres across the country.

On day two, 53 applications were registered, 11 applicants being women.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, Jamal Al Hai, Senior Vice-President of Strategy and Development at Dubai International Airport, said women have a strong chance in the elections this year and should focus on networking to enhance public relations throughout the campaigning period.

Candidates continue to nominate themselves for the Federal National Council (FNC) elections as the third day comes to an end.

Al Hai, who previously nominated himself and succeeded in the 2006 elections, explained that women in society are constantly granted opportunities to participate in change.

“In 2006, in my campaign, I focused on women and their crucial role in society,” he said. “Today, women’s participation is three times as much as before because the country and its rulers are keen on empowering women.”

Al Hai added that his experience in 2006 will contribute to his successes this year should he get elected once again by the people.

“When I first entered in 2006, as a new member it was all new to me,” he said. “This year, I feel privileged because I can apply what I gained from my first experience as a member of the council if I get elected once again.”

Al Hai added that if he is elected this year, it will be his duty and pleasure to help new members who may not possess prior experience. Another candidate from 2006 applying this year is Galtham Al Sheyban, a geologist from the Ministry of Environment and Water. Though she was not elected the first time, she said she has plenty to offer to the country should she be elected.

“In 2006, It was a new experience for me so I had very little knowledge about the process and campaigning so this time I focused on my weaknesses from my previous experience and improved this year,” said Galtham.

Though she could not speak about her campaign agenda, she said that she will strive to participate in the advancement of society and the country.

“We are lucky that we are in a country that listens to its people and takes into consideration suggestions made by citizens,” she said.