ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council elections will be a politically empowering, unifying process for the whole country, says the chairman of the organising body.
“Any development that a country goes through needs to be a complete one and the political process is one of those essential components,” said Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and chairman of the National Election Commission.
Dr Gargash addressed a group of military officers and policemen on the October 3 elections, at the Armed Forces Officers Club on Wednesday.
“When [President] Sheikh Khalifa gave his political empowerment speech on National Day in 2005 – that was six years before the Arab Spring,” he said.
“We weren’t facing the same issues we are facing now. That’s why it’s important to have a politically-empowering, unifying election.”
The UAE didn’t jump into a general election. It was a carefully planned road map for the future, Dr Gargash said.
“Taking a look at some of the other Arab democracies in the region who jumped into a complete electoral process, you would see that it was unfortunately used as a divisive tool based on regional, tribal and sectarian factors.
“This is not what we want for the UAE. We want an electoral experience that is unifying and not divisive, along a carefully mapped out political empowerment strategy.”
Dr Gargash said many Emiratis did not understand the importance of the FNC and the vital role it played as one of the most important federal establishments.
“All laws have to pass through the FNC,” he said. “Therefore it’s important the street pulse be reflected in those discussions and decision makings.”
Dr Gargash hoped to see all factions of society represented in the council and urged voters to cast informed votes that reflected their hopes and ideals.
One change in this year’s elections is that voters can vote in any of the country’s 91 embassies and diplomatic missions. They can also cast their ballots early to avoid crowds at polling stations.
Forty-eight per cent of the eligible voters this year are women. Dr Gargash urged society to encourage friends and family members to use their vote.
“Some of these women are over 50 and 60 years old. I encourage society members to encourage them to cast their votes and go to the polling centres,” said Dr Gargash. “Secret sessions involving security matters are rare. The sessions are open to the public and everyone’s welcome.”
He said successful campaigns relied on personal relations but hoped this would change in the future as voters increased.
Sultan Al Kaabi, 44, an eligible voter, asked Dr Gargash how candidates were chosen.
The Minister of State said the Rulers of each Emirate determined the selection process.
“It was an informative session,” said Mr Al Kaabi. “I considered running and would love to run one day, but right now it’s a big responsibility that I can’t juggle.
“I will surely head to the polls and cast my one vote after careful consideration. I look forward to meet the candidates to listen to their campaigns, and I urge everyone who can to do the same.
“It will be an exciting couple of months for our country’s political system.”
nalremeithi@thenational.ae