Registration steady for Sharjah Consultative Council elections

Fuente: 
The National
Fecha de publicación: 
06 Dic 2015

SHARJAH // Emiratis turned out in numbers on the first day of voting registration for next year’s Sharjah Consultative Council elections.

Staff at registrations centres across the emirate reported a steady flow of citizens keen to give their details, a requirement to take part in next month’s elections.

In June, Sharjah’s Ruler, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, announced that half of the 42-seat council would be elected by citizens, with the rest appointed.

Six seats are available for Emiratis living in Sharjah city, with nine others divided between Al Dhaid, Khor Fakkan and Kalba. There are two seats for Dibba Al Hisn. Al Hamriya, Al Batayeh, Mleiha and Al Madam each have one.

Fatima Al Harmody registered at a centre in Wasit suburb.

“We are given a chance to elect members in the council and I intend to vote for the individual who will represent me in a good way,” she said.

In the Mughaider suburb, Hamadan bin Khadim registered along with his wife. “It’s a duty for Sharjah citizens to vote for the council,” said the 44-year-old merchant.

“I urge all Sharjah citizens to cast their votes to help build this great emirate.”

Officials at Al Dhaid Municipality reported a large turnout in the central region.

To be eligible to vote, Emiratis must be a Sharjah citizen and at least 21-years-old. They must register by December 17 and vote in their hometown.

Citizens who want to run for office must be at least 25, of good standing in the community with no criminal record and be able to read and write.

Candidacy registracy will be open for three days from December 27. Elections will run for two days starting on January 30.

There are 14 registration centres – six in Sharjah city and one at the municipality headquarters in Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Hamriya, Maliha, Madam and Al Bataeh.

Jamal Shalwani, a government employee, registered at the Sharjah Municipality building.

”It’s a beautiful thing to take part in electing members of the council. It will enable us to have a voice in who represents our hometown,” said the 24-year-old Al Nouf resident.

Mansoor bin Nassar, head of the higher committee for Sharjah Consultative Council elections, encouraged the public to register and vote.

“This is the first local elections to happen in the country and we urge citizens to register for voting and candidacy,” said Mr bin Nassar.

He noted that voter registration would help the Sharjah government to gather accurate information on the demographics of its citizens.

The council, established in 1999, ended its current term in June. Its members are responsible for implementing proposals for all matters referred to it by the emirate’s ruler.

Once votes are counted, the list of new council members will be announced on February 11. They will serve a four-year term.

 

Fuente: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/registration-steady-for-sharjah...

Autor: Thaer Zriqat