Abu Dhabi: With many former Federal National Council (FNC) members who won seats in the 2006 and 2011 elections contesting again, officials expect the FNC elections set for October 3 to be a very tight race.
“As the UAE confidently advances towards creating a more mature and securely institutionalised democracy, the Federal National Council elections 2015 will be a very tight race,” said Ahmad Bin Shabib Al Daheri, former deputy speaker of the FNC and member of the National Election Committee.
Al Daheri told Gulf News that, as candidate registration ended on Thursday, out of 349 nominees standing for the elections, at least eight former members of the Federal National Council were in the fray, the figure representing 40 per cent of the elected strength of the Council.
“Those candidates include two members from Dubai, two from Sharjah and two representatives from Umm Al Quwain, who won seats in 2011. Two other veterans who won seats in 2006 are contesting the elections in Dubai,” Al Daheri said.
More than 224,000 Emiratis are eligible to cast their votes to elect 20 members of the 40-seat Council.
Admitting that the number of candidates had decreased compared with the 2011 elections, when as many as 450 nominees entered the fray, Al Daheri said that the upcoming elections would see only those with tremendous compassion or those who know what it takes to be a member of the FNC taking part.
Dr Saeed Al Gafli, assistant undersecretary for FNC Affairs and a member of the National Election Committee, agreed that the number of candidates was indicative of a “maturing and more professional electoral process”.
“The number of nominees is very encouraging and the women have maintained their presence in the FNC elections with nearly 22 per cent of the total number of nominees,” Al Gafli said.
He added that the members of the Council represent the people of the UAE and only those with a strong political background or keen to represent the people had filed nominations.
Dr Al Gafli said representatives of the people need to be motivated, determined and committed and have the confidence to speak in public. “They also need to be persuasive, enthusiastic and have a good understanding of national and international issues.”
Ahead of the 25 days — from September 6-30 — allowed for campaigning, the officials advised candidates to try to reach out to as many constituents as possible to enable voters to choose those who could best represent them and their interests.
Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs and head of the National Election Committee (NEC), has called for broad and active participation in the FNC elections.
“Broad and effective participation in the FNC elections will shape a new era in the UAE’s parliamentary life and render successful the political empowerment of citizens,” Dr Gargash said.
The NEC will declare the preliminary list of candidates on Sunday, while the final list will be announced on August 31. Candidates can request withdrawal not later than September 14.
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