FNC elections race gets tough with 12 candidates standing down

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council elections, set to be held on October 3, are getting tough with 12 candidates withdrawing from the race, officials said yesterday (Tuesday).

Dr Saeed Al Gafli, assistant undersecretary for FNC Affairs and a member of the National Election Committee, said withdrawals indicated that the FNC polls this year will be more competitive and only serious candidates remained in the fray.

“Standing down from the race is also indicative of a maturing and more professional electoral process,” Dr Al Gafli stressed.

Dr Al Gafli said lack of preparedness and chances of winning a seat in the House were among the reasons cited by the candidates who stood down.

Dr Al Gafli said the members of the Council represent the people of the UAE and only those with a strong political background or keen to represent the people had filed nominations.

Dr Al Gafli added representatives of the people need to be motivated, determined and committed and have the confidence to speak in public. “They also need to be persuasive, enthusiastic and have a good understanding of national and international issues.”

Seven candidates from Abu Dhabi, two candidates each in Dubai and Fujairah and one candidate contesting from Ras Al Khaimah stood down.

A total of 329 candidates are now contesting for 20 seats of the House. The remaining 20 seats will be filled by Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates.

“Only 293 of out of the 329 candidates contesting in the next elections have obtained permissions to run their campaigns,” Dr Al Gafli said.

It is not immediately known whether the remaining 36 candidates are keen to run for the elections or are campaigning without permits.

More than 224,000 Emiratis are eligible to cast their vote to elect 20 members of the 40-seat Council. Voters are entitled to choose from among candidates in the emirate they belong to.

Ahmad Bin Shabib Al Daheri, a member of the National Election Committee, said that the forthcoming elections will see only those with tremendous compassion or those who know what it takes to be a member of the FNC taking part.

Officials advised candidates to try to reach out to as many constituents as possible to enable voters to choose those who can best represent them and their interests.

Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs and head of the National Election Committee (NEC), has called for broad and active participation in the FNC elections.

“Broad and effective participation in the FNC elections will shape a new era in the UAE’s parliamentary life and render successful the political empowerment of citizens,” Dr Gargash said.

The NEC urged all candidates to comply with campaign rules and regulations, and reminded citizens to check whether they were among the nearly 224,000 eligible voters on the electoral rolls across the emirates.

Names of eligible voters can be found at the NEC’s portal (www.uaenec.ae), or by calling the toll-free number 600 500 005, or downloading the FNC application from Google Play or Apple Store.

Table indicating withdrawal of nominations by candidates across the UAE