Crowds flock to FNC polling stations

Fuente: 
Khaleej Times
Fecha de publicación: 
29 Sep 2015

Dozens of Emiratis headed to the Dubai World Trade Centre to cast their ballots on the first morning of early voting for Federal National Council Elections 2015. Many of Dubai's 60 candidates were on hand to vote, meet with supporters and inspect the voting booths.

Among the candidates present on Monday was Ismael Albanna Al Bastaki, Director of International Organisation and Bodies at the Dubai Municipality.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Albanna said he was impressed with how smooth the voting process was in comparison to the last round of FNC elections.

"It is very easy, much better than in 2011," he said. "The people go directly to the systems without any delay at all. It is very good. There are no problems at all, and it is very fast."

When asked what issues he believes are on the minds of Emirati voters as they head to the polls, Albanna responded that he thinks the general well being of the UAE is more important than any particular issue. "All issues are important. We want to make the Emirates better," he said. "Everything is important in our election."

One young voter, Ali Mohammed Al Marri, said he came to cast his vote for his father, Mohammed Humaid Al Marri, CEO of Faris&Co, a local management consulting firm. The elder Al Marri currently also serves as assistant CEO of Finance and Administration for the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment, and has previous experience in the financial departments of the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Transport Corporation, and the Dubai Land Department.

"Honestly, I would have voted for him even if he wasn't my father," Ali Mohammed said. "He has 25 years experience working in the government sector and is currently at the Housing Establishment. He has lots of ideas about what would be good for our city."

"The process was excellent," he added. "Today is my first time (voting), and from the moment I walked in, there were people telling me where to go and what to do."

Another voter, Fakhria Lufti - who said she's voting for FNC candidate Mustafa Al Zarooni - said it was important to her that she be swayed personally before deciding for whom to vote.

"Each one (voter) has his own interests and different opinions. In the beginning, it was important for me to sit with Mustafa Al Zarooni. I told him to convince me," she said. "He convinced me."

Lufti also said that she was hoping for a strong level of participation among her fellow Emiratis who were qualified to vote in this year's elections.

"The whole process was perfect. I don't know if in other countries it is like this or not," he said.

"This whole thing is good. It's good for new generations to vote. We all have a dream. This is a thing we can do for our children's future." - bernd@khaleejtimes.com

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