UAE president's vision to empower the FNC

Abu Dhabi/ Dubai: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Tuesday called on members of the Electoral College to actively participate in the Federal National Council (FNC) elections on Saturday to ensure real public participation in the decision-making process.

"On this important national occasion, I call upon my sons and daughters, the members of electoral bodies, to participate actively in the elections so that we can achieve real participation," Shaikh Khalifa said in a statement carried by WAM.

The Electoral College comprising 129,000 Emirati men and women selected by the Rulers' Courts, will vote to choose 20 FNC members from 468 candidates. The other 20 members of the 40-member council will be appointed by the Rulers.

The FNC, added the President, "continues to be a strong platform for political participation. It has a positive impact on decision-making and hence inspired us to enable it as the authority that supports and guides the country's executive authority.

"We have to walk with a clear vision to empower the Federal National Council. The upcoming elections on September 24 are the perfect opportunity to take a major step towards this goal, which will be achieved, God willing, with your virtuous efforts."

The President indicated that the FNC has worked towards fulfilling its responsibility of being the interface between the government and the people since it was established in 1972.

Making history

Saturday's election is the second of its kind in the history of the UAE and the first in terms of the strength of the Electoral College and number of election candidates. In 2006, only 6,600 people cast their votes to elect 20 members of the FNC. Previously, all of the 40 FNC members were selected by the Rulers.

"Since 2006, we started a new experience with half the council's members being elected in the faith that political participation is an integral part of the progress of the country and its comprehensive development," the President explained.

Officials and analysts echoed the President's vision.

Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, who is also the chairman of the National Election Committee, yesterday said the voter turnout would offer the UAE leadership an indication about how society perceives the importance of public participation in the decision-making process.

"If the turnout is low, the message will be that the FNC election is important but not a priority. I am sure the level of participation will decide the speed of the development of the election programme in the future," he said.

Dr Gargash said the expansion of the FNC's mandate has to be done with a federal concession.

Dr Abdul Rahim Al Shaheen, professor of political science at the UAE University, said the elections will be a successful parliamentary experiment.

"A high voter turnover will show citizens' keen interest in political participation and will help expand the FNC role to enrich and develop our parliamentary experiment towards the empowerment of the FNC into a full-fledged parliament," he added.

Following is the full text of Shaikh Khalifa’s speech:

My brothers and sisters, fellow citizens,

Peace, Mercy and blessings of God be upon you.

I address you today at a time when we live the glorious days in the history of the United Arab Emirates, which will soon celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Union, with a determination to cross over to a new phase of development and achievement and to uphold and consolidate its position among the world countries.

My compatriot sons and daughters,

UAE's achievements, progress and development are the fruits of the Union’s march initiated by the founding fathers led by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Since the beginning of the Union, Shaikh Zayed, along with his brothers the rulers of various emirates, adopted the glorious methodology of consultation with the members of the people and of involving them in shaping the future of their motherland.

Not a single phase along the march of building the country was devoid of the existence of consultative councils surrounding the country's leadership as they strongly believed in the importance of people's participation and because consultation is at the heart of our culture and heritage. And here we are today to continue the march of our parents and grandparents by following their footsteps and the principle which emphasises that building of man is the best way to the building the homeland.

My compatriot brothers and sisters,

Our beloved nation has made great strides in all areas, and has become a model of achievement and sustainable development, thanks to the efforts of its sons and daughters, and thanks to the wise policy that has been adopted in various areas on internal and external levels. All these together has fortified the position of our country among the ranks of the developed nations, and this would not have been possible without the hard work and efforts of our citizens, each one in his and her own place of duty.

My sons and daughters,

Since the establishment of the Federal National Council in 1972, it worked to embody the proper relationship between the government and the people in the United Arab Emirates. It continues to be the strong platform for political participation and positive impact on the decision-making process in the country, and hence inspired our great interest in enabling it and activating its role so that it will become the authority that supports and guides of the country’s executive authority. Since the year 2006 we started a new experience for the election of half the members of the Council with the faith that political participation is an integral part of the progress of the country and the comprehensive development we live.

Brothers and sisters,

Citizen is the key element in the development and progress of the country, and should be a partner in shaping the future of the nation and shaping its policy so that our citizens will enjoy a radiant future. We have to walk with a clear vision to empower the Federal National Council. We view the upcoming elections on September 24 is the perfect opportunity to make a major step towards this goal, which will be achieved, God willing, with your virtuous efforts.

On this important national occasion, I call upon my sons and daughters the members of electoral bodies for broad and active participation in the elections to the Federal National Council so that we can achieve the real participation and its activation.

Success is bestowed by God Almighty.

May His peace, Mercy and blessings be upon you.

- With inputs from WAM