Ajman voters proud to carry out their ‘national duty’

Rashid Al Suwaidi, chairman of the Ajman FNC elections committee, said the voter turnout was impressive. Pawan Singh / The National

AJMAN // It took the briefest of moments to make their selection, but voters leaving polling stations in the country’s smallest emirate were pleased to carry out their national duty.

Among them on Saturday was Saleh Al Matrooshi, a director at Ajman Civil Defence, who said selecting the candidate of his choice gave him a sense of participation.

Mr Al Matrooshi said he hoped the successful candidates for the FNC would help to shape social, economic and security policy. “Each candidate has national responsibilities and we chose them to deliver citizens’ voices, needs and concerns to the Government,” he said.

“They also have to contribute to building the legislative process that will help the country in its footsteps into parliamentary life.”

First-time voter Ahmad Al Nuaimi, 34, a Department of Economic Development employee, said: “I thought the candidates would be here which would have embarrassed me as to who I would vote for, especially if one of them was my relative. But after knowing they were not at the centre I felt comfortable while voting.”

Ahmad Al Raeesi, 42, said he voted for a candidate who could send “citizens’ voices to the Rulers”.

“I voted for someone who deserves it and has made a mark in his emirate. I know that our voices will be heard through his voice and he will work on the needs of Ajman’s citizens,” he said.

Rashid Al Suwaidi, chairman of the Ajman FNC elections committee, underlined the election’s importance.

“Today is a big democratic ceremony and I expect at the end of the day the number of voters will be good, which will meet the committee’s aspirations,” Mr Al Suwaidi said.

He said the turnout was good, with voters of both sexes and all age groups.

“Everything is good through the easy measures, training of voters and the ease of voting, and there is participation from different categories – youngsters, the elderly and disabled people,” he said.