Positive in FNC 2015 elections will shape new era in parliament

Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council and Chairman of the National Election Committee, has called on members of the Electoral Committees who seek to run for the Federal National Council Elections 2015 to ensure that they meet all conditions required.

Dr. Gargash urged them to submit their nominations at the Registration Centres established by the National Elections Committee from August 16 to 20 for five days. Nine Registration Centres have been established across the UAE to facilitate maximum participation by the members of the Electoral College.

Dr. Gargash said that positive and active participation in the FNC Elections 2015 will contribute to shaping a new era in the UAE's parliamentary affairs. "The members of the Electoral Committee are encouraged to take an active role in all stages of the election process and partner in scaling new horizons in the parliamentary march of our nation. Political participation is a key tool to promote National empowerment."

He added that the FNC Elections 2015 complements the comprehensive development of the UAE and the electoral process aims to strengthen the sense of national belonging and encourage Nationals to work to promote public interest.

Members wishing to run for elections must comply with the terms and instructions, as well as the recommendations of the National Elections Committees to ensure a transparent and professional electoral process.

Dr. Gargash said, "Several educational lectures have been held for the members of the Electoral Colleges by the National Election Committee in various parts of the country. Members who wish to run for the elections can attend these lectures for guidance and clarification on any aspect related to the election campaign and to learn about the rights and duties of the candidate and other procedural matters that would facilitate an effective electoral process."

The Registration Centres in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are located at Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Abu Dhabi, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, and Baynunah Institute of Science and Technology in the western region.

Dubai will have a registration centre at the Dubai World Trade Centre, while in Sharjah it will be located in the office of the Consultative Council of the Emirate of Sharjah. The Ras Al Khaimah centre will operate in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development building, the Umm Al Qaiwain centre will be in the office of the Executive Council of the Emirate while the Fujairah centre will be located in Fujairah Chamber of Industry and Commerce building. The registration centre in Ajman will be based at the Humaid bin Rashid Hall in Ajman Museum. These centre will be open for registration from 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM.

According to the timetable for elections of the Federal National Council in 2015, the NEC will declare the preliminary list of candidates on August 23, and the final list on August 31. Candidates can withdraw their candidacy no later than September 14.

The registration of candidates and the issue of the final list of candidates will mark the entry of the electoral process into its next new phase. Citizens outside the country will be allowed to vote at the respective embassies over two days – on September 20 and 21. There is also a provision for early voting for three days from September 28 to 30.
Source: WAM