Don’t bribe voters, FNC candidates warned

Fuente: 
Khaleej Times
Fecha de publicación: 
02 Sep 2015

Abu Dhabi: Slandering other nominees and ‘buying votes’ can lead to individuals’ dismissal from the list of candidates ahead of the upcoming Federal National Council (FNC) elections, officials in the capital said on Wednesday.

Speaking to an audience of candidates for the FNC elections at a workshop on how to launch a political campaign, Dr Mohammad Salim Al Mazrooi, General Secretary of the council, said the voting process does not happen at random but is instead based on scientific methodologies.

Therefore, a number of instructions were conveyed to attendees in light of the forthcoming campaigning set to take off on September 6 where 341 candidates will make their case to UAE citizens on their eligibility to become a member.

“Making slanderous comments towards other candidates with the aim of undermining their reputation is strictly prohibited as these elections are meant to remain civilised. Similarly, nominees must prove their eligibility to members of the public on why they deserve their votes instead of demeaning others to move forward,” said Dr Khalid Hassan, a senior legal adviser at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs.

Dr Khalid revealed that an investigation is currently underway to look into a claim made online about a candidate offering Dh1,000 per vote, an act which is strictly prohibited by voting laws.

While donations can be given to nominees towards their campaigns, the finances must come from private Emirati citizens as opposed to the government, Federal or international entities, the expert said.

Campaigning will end on September 30 at 2:30pm, the official said, after which a period of ‘electoral silence’ will begin until the polling date on October 3.

“Candidates need not remove their public advertisements when the electoral silence starts, although they cannot conduct any further campaigning activities. Additionally, placing promotional content on any moving bodies such as vehicles and motorcycles is also not allowed,” he added.

Using speakers to broadcast election-related material in public areas is banned and giving out posters in malls as well as sending out mass messages to mobile phone users will either reach competing candidates or individuals not on the electorate, Dr Khalid explained.

Finally, Dr Al Mazrooi also warned the candidates against making unrealistic and exaggerated promises, as this will adversely impact their credibility.

Around 36 voting centres will be operational across the UAE for individuals to cast their vote, of which nine will open during early voting, scheduled to take place on September 28-30. Meanwhile, 91 UAE embassies across the world will welcome UAE citizens voting from abroad.

“The decision of early voting was made to ensure those who are unable to vote on October 3 have other alternatives to do so. Many people believed it was for training purposes; however, I reiterate, this initiative was instigated to further streamline the process and ensure that every citizen attains the right of political participation,” Dr Khalid added.

Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain candidates will attend the second workshop pertaining to campaign training on September 7 and for those from Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, it will take place on September 9 from 9am until 4pm.

http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/don-t-bribe-voters-fnc-candidate...