FNC election anticipating big increase in voter turnout, says Noura Al Kaabi

Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development also expects spike in number of female voters and candidates

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A big increase in the number of female voters and candidates is expected in October’s Federal National Council elections, officials have said.

Authorities said new legislation announced last year to guarantee half of all members were women would likely have a strong impact on turnout.

During the last FNC elections in 2015, some 79,000 Emiratis - about 35 per cent of eligible voters - cast their votes at polling stations across the country.

This year, however - in part to a substantial expansion of the electoral college - far more people are expected to take part.

“There has been a gradual increase of voters being part of the process,” said Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.

“[This is] because I believe there is more awareness in terms of the campaigns and the processes of everything that goes on in such a journey.”

The FNC is comprised of 20 elected members and 20 members appointed by the country's Rulers.

The President, Sheikh Khalifa, formally approved plans to ensure 50 per cent of the chamber was female in an announcement last year.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ms Al Kaabi said she had personally received a large number of calls from young women wanting to stand as candidates.

She said if the volume of calls proved an accurate indicator, far more young people were likely to take part in Octonber. This year, more than 60 per cent of the electoral college are aged between 21 and 40.

“Women are exploring how they can be part of this election, how they can get [involved] in this journey,” she said. “So I am optimistic about growth when it comes to the numbers.”

In 2006, the electoral college amounted to just 7,000 Emiratis, rising to 129,000 in 2011. By 2015 the number had become 224,000 and this year more than 337,700 nationals are eligible.

When asked how far away the UAE was from allowing every Emirati to vote, Ms Al Kaabi, who was once an FNC member herself, said the process was developing gradually.

“It has always been a measured and gradual process,” she said. “I feel that this by itself is also helping us not just to reach the level of everyone voting but [also] a system that is understood and respected.

“We are not trying to mimic another system. The most important thing is getting people to understand the process.”