(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) A UAE paper has said that this year's FNC elections are another step towards democratic and civil rights where people have a stake in governance.
"Striking a balance between reform and expectation is important when ushering in political and electoral change. The UAE has moved with the times, despite regional upheavals, by engaging with its citizens in the cause of democracy," said the Khaleej Times in an editorial on Monday.
People's representation in the government and decision-making bodies has grown since Federal National Council elections were first held in 2006. A maturing of the electorate is evident as the country prepares for its third FNC elections on October 3rd to choose 20 candidates to the 40-member legislature. The remaining 20 members are nominated by Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the Emirates.
In a sign that the government wants more people to take part in governance, citizens living abroad can choose their candidates this time. Overseas voting is scheduled for September 20th and 21st, and will take place in UAE embassies.
In the last poll in 2011, 129,274 nationals were granted voting rights. This year, the number is expected to be much higher, according to FNC officials, who announced the schedule for the elections on Saturday. The last elections saw 469 nominations for 20 seats. The number this year is expected to be significantly higher.
What's interesting is that only the best candidates will make it to the august body. Citizens who wish to contest will have to provide good conduct certificates to prove there are no criminal cases against them.
"This year's FNC elections are another step towards democratic and civil rights where people have a stake in governance. It's an evolution of the process begun in 2006. The best is yet to be," concluded the daily.
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