ABU DHABI // There was a slow but upbeat start to the first day of registration for the Federal National Council in the capital, when 24 candidates from across the emirate made their intentions to run for election known.
In 2011, at the last FNC election, 27 people registered in Abu Dhabi on the first day.
“In 2011, 116 candidates ran in Abu Dhabi and surely there will be an increase this year,” said Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of FNC Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, as he toured the registration facilities at Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This year more people are qualified to run for office, and more are aware of the polls, said 40-year-old Emirati Ali Al Soudeen, who is proud to have the opportunity to serve his country in this manner.
“To me, this is a national duty and my motive is to give back to the UAE by serving in the council,” he said.
“By being in the council, we become individual decision makers who also have the chance to communicate our concerns – and those of others – to legislators. It is developing and the country is becoming more democratic.”
Maitha Al Rumaithi said her goals were “humanitarian” and “serve the family”.
“I am running to serve the UAE, the locals and the residents of the country,” she said.
“My aim is to look after families, whether local or not, as I want to benefit society.”
Businessman Nasser Al Muharam said the voting and election processes had changed for the better since 2011.
He said the notion of providing one vote as opposed to four in previous years meant voters will have to know the candidate and their platform before voting.
“Usually, voters pick those they know personally and in such procedures, people look for a familiar tribe but this time, the public has a bigger role,” he said.
“This year I see the support from the Government as well as the public’s concerns. I am sure this year names will be different, new faces and different tribes.”
Moza Al Mansouri, who works in environment, said she was looking forward to reaching out to the community.
“Every hard worker will have a chance and I have worked hard for the past 15 years,” she said. “Now it is time to stand by women, that will be my focus.”
Registration for candidacy will continue until Thursday.
To speed up the application process yesterday, a police department team was available to provide the certificates of good conduct that candidates require to register.
The final list of candidates will be made available on August 31 and campaigning will start in the first week of September.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
More on the FNC candidacy registration from the rest of the emirates:
› Women's voice strong in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain
› Diversity shines through in Sharjah electoral registrations
› Gargash applauds 'encouraging' female turnout for FNC candidacy registration
› Retired Army colonel hopes to improve Al Ain public schooling through FNC candidacy
