FNC deserves our support

UAE society ought to support the gradual development of the Federal National Council

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi addresses an FNC session in May. Lee Hoagland / The National

The Federal National Council is a central part of the emerging political system in this country. That process is not complete yet, and it deserves our encouragement as it develops. As The National reported yesterday, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and chairman of the National Election Commission, said the gradual development of the chamber had been carefully planned to achieve a politically empowering and unifying experience.

However, that experience won’t fully mature without the participation of every member of the community.

Eligible voters have a duty to cast their ballot for and to seek out candidates whose ideas best match their own. Voter turnout was modest in the 2011 election, with only 28 per cent casting their ballot. Dr Gargash said earlier this year that we must “reach every Emirati” this time around.

Those who seek election to the FNC have a duty to promote their ideas and to raise awareness of the chamber’s role as a place where the important issues of the day are discussed and where policy advice is polished.

Being a member of the FNC should not be perceived as an award but rather a responsibility. It also provides an opportunity to shape the future of this country by passing on the conversations and attitudes expressed in majlises in each representative’s home emirate. Each elected member has a duty to meet regularly with voters and understand the concerns and wishes that course through the part of the country they represent.

It is particularly important for the FNC to have more women running for office. Dr Gargash has urged women of all ages to get involved. But this will not happen unless they have support from a broad cross-section of society. Emirati men have to encourage their female family members and professional colleagues to stand in the election. Greater gender diversity would strengthen the advisory body. The success of the FNC is likely to depend on such improvements.