Training for FNC election staff

Vote registration staff are being trained on how to properly enter names.

ABU DHABI // The National Elections Committee is training registration staff in how to properly enter candidates' names.

The number of candidates is expected to increase this year, as the number of people on the electoral roll is almost 20 times greater than in 2006.

Dr Anwar Gargash, the Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, has said the number of people eligible is expected to exceed 80,000.

The registration process will run from August 14 to 17.

Staff members have been trained on how to use the electronic data-entry system created for the election.

The workshop included showing employees how to update candidates' data, issuing daily reports on the number of candidates, and printing the candidate list and statistics reports.

The UAE has said running the election process electronically would make it more accurate.

The election on September 24 will be the second of its kind. Although the 2006 election drew only 7,757 voters, this year about 129,000 are expected to vote.

The committee has been holding lectures to explain the importance and significance of the council and the role it plays.

The first appeal for candidates will be received by each emirate's committee on August 21 and 22, and the final candidate list will be announced on August 28.

To be a candidate, Emiratis must be older than 25 and have a certificate of good conduct.

The candidate also must be a permanent resident of the emirate they wish to represent, be literate, and physically fit.