The 341 candidates for the Federal National Council elections will officially launch their campaigns on Tuesday after a three-day delay to honour the 45 Emirati heroes killed in Yemen.
Next month will be the third elections to be held in the UAE and social media is expected to play a much bigger role in campaigns, with 129 of the candidates under the age of 40.
The National Elections Commission has warned that it will ensure the rules are followed and will pay special attention to candidates who are trying to buy votes.
“The elections commission is already looking into one case of bribery with votes,” said Dr Khalid Hasan, a senior legal adviser at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs.
“Offering material and monetary gifts to voters puts the candidate at a precarious situation with the law and they might be prosecuted.”
Candidates last week applied to have their campaigns approved.
“Each candidate who would like to promote their campaign will need to apply for prior approval from the elections committee in their emirate to obtain a permit for their campaign centre, whether it is in their house or tent or anywhere,” said Ahmed bin Humaidan, the head of Dubai’s election committee.
Voters are hoping for serious campaigns, but one recalled with some humour a special candidate from the most recent election, in 2011.
“We’ve had several comical candidates in the past,” said Khalifa Al Falasi, a voter from Abu Dhabi who voted in the last election. “There was a candidate who was inspired by Bruce Lee.
“His campaign was all quotes from the famous martial arts expert. Such candidates do add a certain flavour to the campaign but this is not what it’s about.”
Mr Al Falasi advised candidates to acquire professional help when designing their advertisements.
“In the past we’ve seen mediocre campaigns with horrible fonts that attract no one’s attention,” he said.
“I hope that candidates would work with graphics designers and photographers to show themselves in the best light.”
nalremeithi@thenational.ae
