Afkar Abdullah/Sharjah-.
Voters in Sharjah have called for penalising Federal National Council (FNC) candidates if they fail to fulfil the promises make in their election agendas.
The second day of early voting for the FNC elections witnessed a good turnout from the youth and people with special needs.
Young male and female voters said they would vote for young candidates as "they will play a great role" in solving all youth-related issues like employment, housing, education and opportunity to participate in the country's development process.
A voter, Amina Al Kutabi, said her vote went for a candidate, who she believed, would work towards empowerment of youth and women.
"I read his election agenda, in which he promised to improve employment numbers of the youth. He said he would fight to amend the women retirement law and call for work flexibility," said Al Kutabi. A voter from Al Dhaid said previous members of the FNC made promises, but "failed to deliver on many of them".
"I voted for a candidate who I believe can do something good, because he didn't make any promises; he just said he will do whatever he can for the people."
Rasheeda Al Nuaimi, another voter, said candidates must be penalised if they fail to convey the concerns of the people to the FNC.
Shaikha Alia Al Mualla from the Sharjah royal family said elected representatives must be aware of their responsibilities.
Candidate-speak
Meanwhile, two FNC candidates said their role is to convey the message of the people to the FNC. "Our duty is consultative and executive, execution is not in our hands," said Mohammed Ali Al Kutbi.
Candidates from Al Madam, Malaiha and Al Dhaid called for establishing women and children hospitals in their areas. They said the sole reason they are running for elections is to push for the hospitals. They envision specialised services like the ones being offered in Dubai's Latifa Hospital.
Mohammed Mattar Al Kutabi, a candidate from Al Madam area, told Khaleej Times that pregnant women from his area are suffering as they have to travel long distances for maternity services.
Mohammed Saif Al Kutabi, a candidate from Malaiha, talked of a similar problem in his area. "At least one hospital to serve these three areas (Al Madam, Malaiha and Al Dhaid) will save lives."
Mohammed bin Gashim, a candidate from Al Dhaid, said he will work with other candidates to push for improving the healthcare services in the three areas.
Fuente: http://khaleejtimes.com/nation/government/fnc-elections-penalise-candida...
