Election volunteer staff begin their training

The National Election Committe will train 1,400 volunteers out of 2,549 applicants to assist in organising the Federal National Council Elections.

The NEC is anxious to see that all election volunteers are properly trained in time for October’s FNC elections. Sammy Dallal / The National

ABU DHABI // The National Election Commission has been overwhelmed by applications – most of them from women – to volunteer for the FNC elections.

It is now training 1,400 volunteers from the 2,549 who applied after the offers were reviewed by a committee.

“It is great to see so many women taking part in the coming elections and having so many women volunteer in the organisation of the elections, especially as we embark on the first UAE Women’s Day,” said Ahlam Al Lamki, a director at the General Women’s Union.

The NEC said it regretted not being able to accommodate all applicants.

It is holding 150 training sessions at eight centres, beginning last Sunday and continuing until September 27. Volunteers will receive a certificate from the Higher Colleges of Technology.

“The National Elections Committee aims to guarantee the effective training of volunteers while providing them with fully rounded knowledge on the different aspects of the electoral process,” said Tariq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs and head of the Elections Management Committee.

Mr Lootah confirmed that most of the applicants had been women, and said the number of applicants reflected political growth in the UAE

Two hundred and fifty eight recruits of the National Service will also volunteer for the elections, said Col Mohammed Al Mulla of the National and Reserve Service Authority.

“The FNC is an extension of the many roles of serving the nation and we are happy to help with the organisation of the coming election,” Col Al Mulla said.

Dr Hashim Al Zaabi, executive dean at the Higher Colleges of Technology, said the NEC call centre at the institute received many enquiries from people wanting to contribute to the smooth running of the elections.

Government bodies and non-profit groups will also help out.

They include the Emirates Identity Authority, National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, Dubai Community Development Authority, Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the We Are All Emirates committee, Emirates Volunteers Association, General Women’s Union and the Asa’ad Shaab Volunteer Team.

The training centres are in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ruwais.