Society, tribes shape Sharjah votes

Sharjah - Voters said they voted for people they knew - mainly people from their own tribes or colleagues.

In Sharjah, citizens' votes were influenced mainly by their social relations with the candidates and tribes.
Voters Khaleej Times spoke to said they voted for people they knew - mainly people from their own tribes or colleagues. They believed the candidates they voted for would convey their needs to the leadership.
Despite being 90 years old, a voter, Abdullah Suhail bin Omair, insisted on voting for a candidate from his own tribe. "Our son lives with us and know our needs and demands. He will surely solve our problems," he said.
He called the FNC elections a "festival of democracy".
Another voter, Abdul Rahman Al Hajri, a member of the Sharjah Consultative Council, also said he voted for a fellow tribesman.
Gazala Al Zaabi, another voter, said she voted for a female candidate, who is her "relative and friend". According to her, this candidate will contribute to bringing positive changes in society.
An FNC candidate, Saif Al Kubi, said he brought his family members and relatives to cast their votes for him. The support from his relatives and tribesmen would help him win, he said. He said his election agenda is "strong" and would attract other voters as well. Nawal Askar, a senior official from the Sharjah Economic Department, said she came on the very first day to vote for her uncle, Jasim Yousif Al Duggi, who she believes, is "well-qualified" to be an FNC member. "He has a lot of experience and understands the needs of the people."
Heera Obaid Al Kutabi, a 70-year-old woman, said she voted for a relative who "will develop the health sector in Al Madam area".
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah