Noticias

The Sharjah Advisory Council elections highlights the maturity of the parliamentary experience, and marks a new step in the efforts to strengthen political participation and empower citizens, a UAE minister has said.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the political empowerment programme, launched by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2005, represents a distinguished approach in political development and enhancing the political awareness of the citizens.

ABU DHABI // Oration, education and the electoral campaign of a candidate were the major influences on who Emiratis voted for in the recent FNC elections, a study shows.

The report, How do Emirati Voters Determine for Whom to Vote in FNC Elections? by UAE University professors Abdulfattah Yaghi and Osman Antwi-Boateng, questioned 1,800 Emirati voters, out of which 1,518 results were assessed.

About 86 per cent of the interviewed sample considered a candidate’s speechmaking skills as a major factor in their appeal.

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.

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Wednesday inaugurated the 16th legislative term of the Federal National Council.

The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai attended the opening ceremony, walking the red carpet under the swords of the Presidential Guard while a marching band played the national anthem.

He then met FNC officials before entering the Sheikh Zayed Hall to greet the Rulers awaiting him.

After verses of the Quran had been recited, the new term was convened.

SHARJAH // The first elections to the Sharjah Consultative Council will begin on January 30 and last for two days.

Those elected to the 21 seats will serve a four-year term.

The Sharjah Ruler, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, in June announced that half the consultative council would be elected, with the other 21 seats filled by Ruler appointees.

Najla Al Rostaman.-

The UAE Federal National Council (FNC) elections is over. There are winners and there were losers. Let's analyse it, because this year it unfolded differently than how it did four years back.

DUBAI // The National Elections Committee has revealed that it received an appeal from a Dubai candidate, challenging results of the initial FNC election vote count.

The candidate queried the number of votes he received from the members of the electoral college in his emirate.

ABU DHABI // While only 35 per cent of the eligible electorate cast their vote in Saturday’s FNC election, experts say this was a reasonable number.

Ahmed Al Dhaheri, a member of the National Elections Commission, said the turnout was not considered low for the UAE level.

“This is the natural rate for societies like the UAE that do not suffer from anyone pressuring them,” he said.

“There is no pressure from the economic, social or political side, because they see that the situation they are in is perfect and whoever comes will maintain that level and even better.”

Jasmine Al Kuttab.-

Perhaps a strong presence on social media was the reason behind the win for the youngest FNC candidate, Saeed Al Rumaithi who won from Abu Dhabi.

Minutes after the results were announced, Saeed Al Rumaithi, one of the winning candidates who will be representing Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times that although his win is certainly a great and exciting achievement for him, he nonetheless still has a lot of responsibility to carry on his shoulder.