22 per cent of FNC hopefuls are women

Source: 
Khaleej Times
Publication date: 
Sep 01 2015

Women constitute 22 per cent of the total number of candidates for the Federal National Council (FNC) elections 2015, with 76 women contesting from across the country.

The final electoral list released by the National Election Committee on Monday has 341 nominees from an initial pool of 347.

The committee recorded appeal requests against three candidates - two from Sharjah and one from Abu Dhabi. After a review process, the two appeals in Sharjah were accepted, while the third was rejected.

Three candidates withdrew nomination, while the nomination of a candidate from Ras Al Khaimah was cancelled after he faced election violation charges.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, said the appeal requests were transferred to an independent committee headed by a judge. The manner in which the "unprecedented" appeal requests were handled reflects the "advancement in the committee's operations", he said.

The elections of 2006 and 2011 did not register any appeals or cancellation requests due to electoral violations, he affirmed. According to the timetable, a candidate can withdraw his/her application not later than September 14.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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