Registration of candidates who intend to run for the Federal National Elections (FNC) 2015 will take place from August 16 to 20.
The National Election Committee (NEC) has set up special registration centres across the UAE.
Each member of the Electoral College has the right to run for the elections based on the following constitutional conditions: He/she should be a citizen residing permanently in one of the emirates; should be aged not less than 25 years (born on October 2 in 1990 and earlier); should have good character and reputation; should not have been convicted for any offence (unless has been rehabilitated in accordance with the law); and should be literate.
Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs and Chairman of the Election Management Committee, said the registration centres across the country are all set to ensure a smooth registration process for the candidates.
"The committee and all its teams are ... ready to begin this pivotal stage of the electoral process. We will ensure the efficient registration of the candidates in line with the regulatory conditions specified in the executive instructions for the elections. The committee aims to implement all stages of the electoral process with the highest degree of professionalism."
Candidates can register either in person or through a representative. Electoral College members are required to bring their Emirates ID card, family book and a certificate of good conduct addressed to the NEC, as well as a non-refundable registration fee of Dh1,000 in cash.
Candidates holding a public post, whether federal or local, as well as those in the military, should provide a certificate that shows they have received a leave of absence from work. Members of the judiciary who intend to run for the elections must provide a certificate proving their resignation, and a request to run for the elections.
The NEC will declare the preliminary list of candidates on August 23 and announce the final list on August 31. A candidate can withdraw his/her candidacy before September 14. The registration and the issue of the final list of candidates will mark the entry of the electoral process into a new phase.
Citizens outside the country will be allowed to vote in embassies abroad on two days - September 20 and 21. Early voting will take place from September 28 to 30.
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