ABU DHABI // Voters must learn about the differing roles of the FNC and ministries to understand the council’s work, an audience heard on Sunday night.
“Many complaints from nationals imply that council members don’t do actual practical work, which is a shame,” said Dr Saeed Al Ghafli, assistant undersecretary for FNC Affairs.
“They must differentiate. The council’s role is regulatory and legislative. They discuss laws and issues that affect Emiratis.
“The Government and ministries have clear roles in assisting the locals and residents, and comparing the FNC’s work to theirs creates frustration for the members.”
Dr Al Ghafli said the 2006 FNC election was a landmark in the UAE’s efforts to empower women in politics.
“It was the first year for UAE women to become voters, candidates and members,” he told the audience at Zayed University.
“A woman’s right is preserved in the council by having a role in politics and FNC membership.”
The process offers women a chance to give back to the UAE, said Maitha Al Remeithi, an audience member who was on the electoral roll.
“The woman in the UAE has always had her rights since the beginning,” she said.
“Now it is our turn to give back and take part in developing our country.”
More than 224,000 Emiratis are eligible to vote in the October election, compared with 135,308 at the last polls in 2011. More than two-thirds are under 40, and 48 per cent are women.
Voting has been made easier for Emiratis, who can vote at any polling station in the country and at UAE embassies on September 20 and 21.
Those who want to vote in advance can also do so.
“Elections are a right for Emirati nationals to choose their representative, who in turn will voice concerns to the Government,” Dr Al Ghafli said.
“Internationally we will give credibility to the political empowerment programme. That was a promise given by the Government to the people of the UAE in 2006, and the proof of its positive role is the number of voters for this year.”
Also at the lecture was Ahmed Al Dhaheri, director general of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, who spoke about the role of the elderly and the country’s youth.
“The council should have a mix of ages, young and old, and of course the elderly are taken more seriously. They are more respected in society,” he said.
Elections will be held on October 3.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
ealdhaheri@thenational.ae
