Election a significant national experience: Panel

The National Election Committee discussed a number of studies related to the electoral process during its second meeting held recently in the capital.

The meeting stressed the importance of organising meetings early enough to enable the committee to make the necessary preparations for the upcoming elections.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, said the UAE election is a significant national experience that contributes towards enhancing political awareness among citizens and increasing their interest in the political process in the country.

Dr Gargash stated that the empowerment programme of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to activate the role of the Federal National Council as a key executive authority that tackles issues concerning the citizens and finds appropriate solutions. “The UAE’s leadership is constantly working to expand political participation. The wise directives of the leadership are aimed at achieving growth and development to meet the UAE’s developmental goals based on the interests of the country and the citizens,” Dr Gargash added.

The Committee endorsed the minutes of the first meeting, and reviewed the proposed budget and restructuring of the Committee, besides discussing studies related to the electoral process.

The meeting was attended by Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Madfa, Secretary-General for the Supreme Council of the Union in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; Dr Hadef Jowan Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice; Dr Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Director-General of the Emirates Identity Authority, Lieutenant-General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs.

haseeb@khaleejtimes.com