News

More than 1,000 voters took part in overseas elections for the Federal National Council, which ended on Monday.

The National Election Commission said polling centres in Germany, the US and the UK had the greatest number of overseas voters, out of the 1,389 who took part. Germany had 280 voters, while the US had 255 and the UK had 95.

Ninety-four polling stations were set up at UAE embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide for the polls, which marked the first time eligible Emiratis could vote overseas.

Abu Dhabi: Strong competition, financial capacity and the time-consuming process were among the reasons behind some of the applicants stepping down from contesting for a seat at the Federal National Council (FNC).

The National Election Committee (NEC) announced this week that 12 candidates stepped down from the FNC race, of whom seven are from the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News spoke to two Emiratis who are no longer making their case to UAE citizens on their eligibility to become a FNC member.

Abu Dhabi: Polling booths in 94 UAE embassies witnessed good voter turnout in the first overseas voting for the Federal National Council in the country’s history, a senior official said yesterday (Sunday)

“Eligible voters overseas started casting their vote for the Federal National Council for the first time at UAE embassies and missions abroad yesterday (Sunday) and no complaints were reported,” said Tareq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs and chairman of the Election Management Committee.

RIYADH: Over 1.7 million Saudis will participate in the country’s Dec. 12 elections, according to Abdul Lateef Al-Asheikh, municipal and rural affairs minister.
There were 791,411 voters in the first elections and 405,783 in the second one, Al-Asheikh was quoted as saying by a local publication on Wednesday. He thanked the leadership for organizing the elections and amending legislation that would ensure it takes place smoothly.

Muscat: Majlis Al Shura election date was announced by Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, on Thursday.

Issuing a decision the minister announced that Sunday, the October 25, 2015 as the date for the Majlis Al Shura 8th term elections.

As per the decision, all election centres in the Sultanate will be open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm on October 25, 2015.

Egypt's Higher Elections Committee (HEC) announced Wednesday an initial list of candidates ‎accepted to contest the country's upcoming ‎parliamentary elections, scheduled for October and ‎November.‎

HEC spokesperson Omar Marawan disclosed Tuesday ‎night that a total number of 5,‎420‎ had applied, ‎all seeking to run as independents. In addition, nine‎ electoral coalitions fielded ‎candidates to run on party lists.‎

Muscat: Citizens have urged the candidates contesting the Majlis Al Shura elections to use the radio and television to reach out to voters.

Hamed Al Hashimi from the Al Sharqiyah governorate recommended changing the way in which electoral campaigning is done. “The candidates should participate in TV and radio programmes to share their plans for the upcoming elections to help citizens decide whom they should vote for.”

There are 596 candidates vying for the 85 seats, including 20 women, who are already campaigning actively.

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.