Each and every Federal National Council (FNC) candidate shall be bound to explain their programmes to the local National Election Committee (NEC) concerned before starting any electoral campaign.
The committee has instructed all FNC candidates to argue about, defend their political stances, and elaborate all components of their electoral programmes in writing in the all-new election form.
"This is meant to help candidates be clear about their programmes, and never mislead voters with unreal promises or unclear agendas," Dr Saeed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for FNC affairs, told Khaleej Times on Thursday.
It is not a big deal and the set electoral form can be later updated and coupled with others if needed, Dr Ghafli, who is also member of the NEC, added. "However, should any candidate want to talk about any problem, such as the population imbalance, for instance, they must give solutions."
The maximum budget limit for the 25-day electoral campaign, September 6 to 30, has been set at Dh2 million. "Each candidate would better individually take care of funding their campaign, but donations from only Emirati entities is accepted within the set limit."
Foreign contributions are strictly banned, Dr Ghafli elaborated. "The candidate should get prior approval on the expenses of their campaigns by the local NEC concerned, yet verified with a bank statement."
A national private company or entity may financially support a candidate or another, he stated. "Public utilities, transport or funds may never be used by any candidate, however."
Denying media reports on some electoral bribes, Dr Ghafli said not a single breach, violation or bribe has been detected so far. "Such groundless rumours were based on a misquotation of an official who was just giving an example of a possible violation that may happen and what to do in such case."
Dr Ghafli pointed out that no candidate may ever defame or insult another competitor. "Counter claims must be evidenced to be looked into or referred to the NEC."
For a candidate to open an electoral centre to receive supporters and present his or her programmes, they should fill another form and get a licence for the same. "Any such centre should be at least 500m off the nearest polling station."
Dr Khalid M. Hassan, Senior Legal Advisor at the ministry of state for FNC affairs, candidates must never campaign based on religion, tribal or racial grounds. "No direct or indirect bloc or coalition is permitted among candidates, and ads are only permitted at set areas in coordination with local bodies."
No campaigns are allowed at government departments, mosques, schools, universities, parks, public transport, civil and charity societies, and public places, he warned. "Otherwise, legal action shall be enforced, and the candidate may be let go."
Loud-speakers are only allowed at specific areas at certain timings only between September 6 and 30, he added. "The campaigns are permitted during the early elections from September 28-30, but banned during the electoral silence two days before the final elections on October 3."
Dr Hassan said the UAE logo or falcon may not be used by any candidate, but the flag is permitted. "Likewise, the rulers' photos are banned in electoral campaigns, and government employees may never abuse their power to support any candidate whereas the distribution of fliers at government entities is prohibited."
Random SMS or short text messages via trade companies is banned, he said. "But messages through BBM, WhatsApp or on social media are allowed as one can easily block any of these."
Though advertising on private vehicles is banned, candidates may promote themselves and their programmes on advertisement-based vehicles with digital screens, Dr Hassan pointed out.
"Electoral ads may be put at malls, buildings, fuel stations, parking lots, and on any TV, radio channel or newspaper though media people are advised to be fair with all candidates in case of interviewing any."
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