Voting starts in Dubai, RAK

Dubai: Members of the Electoral College from Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have begun voting for the first time ever, in the second phase of the UAE's historic Federal National Council elections.

The first round in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on Saturday saw a 60 per cent and 90.4 per cent voter turnout respectively.

Seventy-seven candidates will contest four seats in Dubai, where 1,520 voters are to cast their ballots at the World Trade Centre between 8am and 7pm.

In Ras Al Khaimah, 80 candidates are running for three FNC seats, to be decided by 1,061 voters.

Upon witnessing the successful elections in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, Dubai's voters were upbeat about their turn.

Khowla Naboudah, a member of the Electoral College, told Gulf News that she expected the outcome of the Dubai elections to be similar to that of Abu Dhabi.

"I expect at least one seat to go to a woman because the people of Dubai are forward thinking," she said.

Rashid Mosabah Al Kindi Al Marar, one of the four winners in Abu Dhabi, described the process as a "step forward" for the country. "It will give more representation to the people."

Lana Nusseibah, Media and Communications Director at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, described the turnout in Abu Dhabi as "fantastic".

"Everyone was happy that the third highest number of votes was won by a woman," she said. "It shows that the UAE is ready for this political development."

It's suprising for me to hear that there is a 90.4 percent voter turnout. It's amazing.
Vijaya
Chennai,India