UAE- 'Electoral agenda should be the benchmark'

9/30/2015 10:51:20 PM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)While the three days of the Federal National Council early voting have seen crowds of voters the elderly and special needs people have been in the lead.

Mohammed bin Qasim a 66-year-old Emirati based in Ajman said he was the first one to vote on day one of the elections. "I have been so excited to be part of the change though I was not well and visited the doctor one day earlier."

Seventy five-year-old Saeed Al Kitbi was also happy to participate in the electoral 'wedding' along with his sons and grandsons. "We are making history and moving a step forward in the right direction to a brighter future for all Emiratis."

"The procedures are clear and smooth" said 55-year-old Ali Al Muair from Ajman commenting on the easy procedures.

Urging for discernment while voting 65-year-old Amer Al Mazrouie from Ras Al Khaimah said tribal connections and family relationship shouldn't be the major criteria in voting. "The electoral programme should be the main benchmark to pick a candidate" he said.

Ibrahim Yaqut a 34-year-old special needs man based in Ajman said he knows most of the candidates well. But he voted for the one with the best agenda. "I was keen to come and vote during the early voting because I know it is going to be crowded later."

Saif Mattar a 28-year-old visually impaired citizen of RAK said he was accompanied by his elder brother to the polling station. "Despite my impairment I insisted on coming here and voting for the one I believe to be best."

He noted that he didn't face any technical difficulty in casting his vote. "Everybody here was so friendly and helpful let alone the easy procedures."

Wheel-chair bound Hassan Al Suwaidi 51 from RAK praised the efficient staff of the election committee who were a great help. "They professionally guided all voters mainly the elderly and special needs people apart from the illiterate." Sara Hassan an Emirati woman in Ajman said she came to vote for a certain candidate whose name she did not want to disclose. "I am convinced of his programme which he detailed in mass media over the last few days."

The voters are becoming more aware of the importance of political engagement and national participation said Aisha Eissa an Emirati based in Ajman. "More voters are keen on casting their votes unlike the previous two rounds of the FNC elections."

According to the National Elections Committee 329 out of 347 candidates are competing in the third FNC elections to begin on October 3.

Of these 78 per cent are men 22 per cent are women 38 per cent are below 40 years old 49 per cent are holders of higher education certificates and five per cent are former FNC members.

Ahmed Shaaban Master's degree in Mass Media with 19 year experience in media and translation

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