Knowledge of the Federal National Council is high among university students, a study reveals.
Of 1,650 students at Higher Colleges of Technology surveyed online by the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, 95 per cent had not only heard of the council but were aware of its “important” role.
Tariq Hilal Lootah, undersecretary of the ministry, attributed this to programmes carried out by his agency at universities.
“The ministry seeks to enhance a culture of political participation among community members within its strategic objectives, and is working to achieve them through various initiatives and activities,” he said. “The youth is one of the most important target segments for the ministry and we are keen to develop political awareness among them.”
But the survey found that not all students were happy with the performance of the council.
A third said they were not satisfied with the FNC’s work and even fewer were satisfied by the election and appointment process of members in 2011 (31.5 per cent).
Three quarters of students hoped to be eligible to vote during the next elections.
Of topics discussed, three in five (64 per cent) said they were interested in social improvements, followed by economic development (19 per cent). A small percentage of students were interested in political development (17 per cent).
osalem@thenational.ae
