AJMAN // On the opening day of registration in the emirate, Eman Al Soom was the first woman to submit her nomination alongside five men.
The media department director for the northern emirate’s executive council said that she was stepping forward to serve her country. .
“There are certain issues I want to emphasise, the most important of which is the empowerment of women who have many roles in many fields,” said the 36-year-old mother-of-three who is pregnant with her fourth child.
“They need to stand up because they are not inferior to men and they can compete.”
Ms Al Soom was uncertain of her chances but believed that the large number of men voters would make a difference.
Regardless of the outcome, she considered running a positive experience.
Khaleed Al Reyaysa, a secretary of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, was nominating himself for a second time.
“We must support and motivate youngsters and let them engage in the political affairs of the country, which supports youth affairs and takes care of them through educating them about national awareness and loyalty to the homeland.”
The 29-year-old supported women’s participation in the council because “all segments of society can and must serve”.
For the smallest emirate in the UAE, Sheikha Al Ari and Obaid Rekad, FNC members from Umm Al Quwain, nominated themselves for the second time.
Anas Hilal Obaid, an UAQ Civil Defence officer, was in the office with all the required papers to nominate himself at 7.30am, said Rashid Juma, the election committee head in the emirate.
Mr Juma said that eight candidates had registered by noon, most of whom were retired. Three prospective candidates presented incomplete papers.
roueiti@thenational.ae
More on the FNC candidacy registration from the rest of the emirates:
› Gargash confident of high voter turnout, despite slow start in Abu Dhabi
› Diversity shines through in Sharjah electoral registrations
› Gargash applauds 'encouraging' female turnout for FNC candidacy registration
› Fujairah and RAK's enthusiastic candidates get in early
› Retired Army colonel hopes to improve Al Ain public schooling through FNC candidacy
