UAE set for FNC election

Abu Dhabi - Federal National Council elections that will take place on Saturday from 8am until 8pm.

Thirty-six polling stations have been prepped across the country to receive voters for the Federal National Council (FNC) elections that will take place tomorrow from 8am until 8pm.
Voters can pick candidates through the electronic voting system which can be accessed by entering the National ID and is the only certified document which authorises its holder to practise his/her electoral right.
The National Elections Committee (NEC) said on Thursday that it has completed all arrangements and procedures.
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs who is also chairman of the NEC, has said the UAE is entering a new phase of evolution in its march towards political development.
He said that the last days of the third parliamentary experience had shown the social awareness on the importance of the FNC. "Voters are casting their ballot which is a clear evidence of support to the political participation. It will also boost the integrated development in our country, and we will go ahead on this track to establish the Emirati experience," he noted.
He also said that early voting was done in a civilised manner. "This boosts the civil and electoral culture in the country," he added.
Three days of early polling which ended on Wednesday saw a turnout of 37,633 voters.
The FNC consists of 40 members with advisory tasks in the house of legislative council. Twenty members are elected by the citizens of the UAE through the general election and the other half are elected by the electoral college and Rulers of each emirate.
The NEC conducts the election and is authorised to nominate the electoral college members. Any citizen can be selected as a member.
Phases of e-voting
The NEC has also outlined the steps for e-voting. The voter will enter his/her ID into the system. The system will enable the voter to practise voting by two ways - the first by entering the number of the candidate, and the second by pressing on the photo of the candidate. As a final step, the voter will press on the "voting" option, following which the screen will indicate that voting has been done successfully.
Polling stations
11 centres in Abu Dhabi
Voters can cast their ballot at 11 polling stations, which are the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre; sport gymnasiums of AL Jazeera Club; Yas Mall; Zayed University at Shakbout City.
In the Western Region (Al Gharbiya): Wedding hall at Zayed City; Ghyathi Wedding Hall; Al Sila Wedding Halls. In Al Ain: The Al Ain Conferences Centre in Al Khubaisi; Al Wagan Weddings Hall; Al Dhahir Weddings Hall and Al Heer Weddings Hall.
6 centres in Dubai
Dubai will have six polling stations which are the Dubai World Trade Centre; the Culture and Scientific Association at Al Mamzar; Sports Gymnasium at the UAE Football Association headquarters, SunSet Mall, Emirates Identity Authority premises at Al Barsha and Hatta Wedding Halls.
7 centres in Sharjah
Sharjah: Polling will be held at seven stations which are Sharjah Chess Club at Al Dhaid Road near the American University, the Migaidir Suburb Council; the Real Estate Registration Department, Allia Suburb near the Department of Culture and information; Al Dhaid Juniors Club; Miliaha Cultural Club; Expo Centre in Khorfakkan and Sharjah University in Kalba.
3 centres in Ajman
Ajman will have three centres which are premises of Social Services building, the Ministry of Social Affairs at Al Jorf arwea, Sand Centre in the Masfoot locality.
2 centres in UAQ
Umm Al Quwain will have two centres which are the Shaikh Khalifa Wedding Hall and Technical Secondary School in Falaj Al Mualla.
5 centres in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah will have five centres which are Expo Centre; premises of the Emirates Identity Authority behind the Ras Al Khaimah Police Department; premises of Eida at Al Rams locality, Higher Colleges of Technology (Girl Students) and Al Ghail Youth Centre.
3 centres in Fujairah
Polling will be held at three stations in Fujairah, which are the Exhibitions Centre, the office of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development in Masafi and Diba Sports Club.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi