(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) A UAE paper has said that the UAE is all for strengthening its democratic institutions and allowing more participation by the people in governance.
"Changes have been steady and have not been thrust upon the country. Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates have played a major role in the development of the legislative process, supporting it every step of the way," said Khaleej Times in an editorial on Wednesday.
This has been an evolutionary, yet exploratory process and reforms have come from within, at a pace set by the leadership and citizens. The number of eligible voters is growing with every election, participation from youth and women is increasing in government and there's rising awareness about political institutions that the country is promoting in its unique way.
Elections to the Federal National Council this year will see 224,279 Emiratis taking part as voters and candidates, a massive jump of 66 percent from polls held in 2011 which is 88,971 more eligible voters.
"The leadership is ''determined'' to promote political participation in the country," said Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Federal National Council Affairs.
It's the same determination and can-do enterprising attitude of the leadership and the people that has made the UAE what it is today. No one has encapsulated it better than His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, when he said, ''We are proud of our past and our present and we face the future with unflagging determination.'' "Elections bring people together and this year's polls set for October 3 is for the young and the young at heart. The future of the country is safe in their hands," concluded the Dubai-based daily.
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