High chances of winning prompt more women to sign up for FNC candidacy

Abu Dhabi - The FNC is the country's top body that sanctions laws and policies.

More Emirati women are signing up for the Federal National Council (FNC) elections with the anticipation of winning.
The positive response follows the directive issued by the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, last year that 50 per cent of the council should be female in the forthcoming term. Registration for candidates aspiring to contest for the 40-member FNC elections scheduled for October 5, began on August 18 across the country.
And like on the first day of registration, more Emirati women showed up at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry registration centre on Monday (August 19) to sign up and contest for the parliamentary seats.
"With women set to make up half of the next FNC, I am hopeful to be among those members," Salma Al Ketbi, 42, an Abu Dhabi mother of four who holds a masters degree in engineering management, told Khaleej Times after signing up to enroll in the upcoming elections.
"I am excited about contesting in these elections and I am keen on winning. With vast experience in engineering and management, I feel I should serve my country on the national level and participate in the country's decision."
Al Ketbi, a senior stock engineer at Adnoc said it is very important that women in the UAE are empowered politically and encouraged more women to sign up for the elections.
Meanwhile, media practitioner Fatima Al Award Al Darmaki, 35, said she is keen on representing Abu Dhabi in the next legislative cycle because the FNC plays a vital role in the future direction of the nation. "Being a journalist, I have been a voice for the voiceless for many years," said Al Darmaki, a senior presenter for local news at Abu Dhabi TV.
"Through my job, I have highlighted problems affecting many people in our community including women and children which were later addressed by authorities. I am keen on taking this on to the FNC also take part in making the country's laws."
Retired Major-General, Nasir Salim Al Nuaimi, a former police officer with the Abu Dhabi Police, who has registered for the forthcoming elections, said that as a senior citizen with lots of knowledge and experience, being a legislator is fulfilling.
"The FNC is the country's top body that sanctions laws and policies. As a senior citizen and a former cop, I am very well aware of the problems affecting our people and I want them addressed on the floor of the house," said Al Nuaimi. "I am also keen on taking part in discussions and making of laws governing our nation."
The registration for the FNC will run until Thursday, August 22.
According to the National Election Committee, the FNC candidates must be 25 years old and be a "knowledgeable and literary person of sound reputation. Additionally, they must be on the list of 330,000 citizens eligible to vote.
More candidates expected in next 3 days: Minister
During his tour of the candidates registration centre at Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs; and chairman of the National Election Committee, said registration across the country is going smoothly and more Emirati candidates are expected to turn up for signing up for elections in the remaining three days.
"We are witnessing a big number of candidates of all ages registering to vie for FNC seats. We urge all people to participate in the electoral process," Al Owais told members of the Press.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi