ABU DHABI // For one voter, it had been a long wait. Ahmed Al Mazrouei was so determined to cast his vote at 8am that he was up at dawn.
“I didn’t have the time to vote during the early elections and I wanted to rush to vote for a candidate I was sure would have the right qualifications to serve as an FNC member,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.
He was even earlier, given that polling times were extended for an hour across the country.
Suhail Al Rashedi, who at 115 was believed to be the oldest voter, said it was his honour to take part after being taken into the polling centre by a member of his family.
Another early riser was Zain Faisal, 76, who came purely for support and was taken into the centre in his wheelchair by a security guard.
Mr Faisal said he was sad his name was not on the electoral list, but wanted to show his commitment. “They are all my children, the sons of the President Sheikh Khalifa and [Founding President] Sheikh Zayed. I hope they will work for the betterment of this country.”
There were some familiar faces among those present, with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre to observe the voting procedure.
Sheikh Nahyan said youth, candidates and voters had been given the full opportunity to become involved in the electoral process.
“The trust of the youth proves the keenness of the young men and women of the UAE to participate in the development of their country,” he said.
“Youth participation in the election process, whether candidates or voters, only proves how mature and aware they are of their role and their interest in having a say that in the end will serve the country and its people.”
Participation, Sheikh Nahyan said, was paramount to its development and strength.
“It started with the Abu Dhabi Consultative Council and then the Federal National Council, which has done its duty and has collaborated with the Government in the development of this great nation.
“And now, under the wise leadership of Sheikh Khalifa, where he believes in involving the citizens of the UAE to participate in choosing their representative in the FNC, to serve the country, and the people.
“And our aim, whether elected members of the council or the Government, is to continue building on these foundations that have been established by the late Sheikh Zayed,” he said.
The elections were a “proud moment”, said Sheikh Nahyan, who was happy to see “the young and old citizens participating in casting their votes”.
Whoever won would have the country’s support, he said.
“I am sure they will be a positive addition to the whole system of the UAE. We wish them all the best.”
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, was also among the voters yesterday. He said he voted based on his candidate’s standards.
“I voted for an experienced candidate who has the capability and knowledge to have their voice positively transferred in the council. Here, I take off my ministerial hat and think as an Emirati local,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.
Ultimately, it is the people’s responsibility to choose the right representative, he said.
“One must think, ‘is this the right choice? is the candidate fit to represent me?’ It is not about friendship or kinship. You have to think, as a local, how will the candidate benefit me and the country.
“It is a question of national duty to vote for a representative.”
aalkhoori@thenational.ae