Senior Emirati women among first to vote

Abu Dhabi - Nine polling centres across the UAE will be open from 9am to 6pm throughout the period.

Senior Emirati women, including an 80 and a 92-year-old, were among the first people to cast their votes for the Federal National Council (FNC) elections on Tuesday.
Early voting for senior citizens, people of determination and other voters who wished to complete the process as soon as they can started at 9am on Tuesday and would run until Thursday.
Nine polling centres across the UAE will be open from 9am to 6pm throughout the period. Main election day is slated for October 5.
At the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), the main polling station in the Capital, voting on the first day of the elections began on time - and voters' excitement quickly filled the air.
Twenty minutes after the gates opened at 9am, senior mother Bakhitah Al Kathir - who came with her two daughters and sister - had already cast her vote at Adnec.
"I am happy to be among the first people to vote," Al Kathir told Khaleej Times.
"It is an honour to be part of the FNC election process. I hope everyone will exercise their right."
Over 337,738 citizens are eligible to vote this year, marking a 50.58 per cent increase from 224,281 electoral college members in 2015.
In Ajman, senior Fatma Al Shehi said she decided to be one of the first 10 voters to encourage the participation of other senior women in the community.
Ninety-two-year-old Aisha Abdullah Al Mutawa was one of the oldest voters at the Sharjah polling centre. "I came here early to vote for my son, and I urge all our family members and relatives to give their votes to him," she said.
Ahmed Al Zarouni, chairman of the election committee in Sharjah, pointed out that the turnout in the first half hour of the polls exceeded expectations. "They spanned all age groups, but the participation of women, senior citizens, and people of determination was remarkable," he said. 
More voters expected
The same success had been observed at the Adnec polling station.
"A reasonable number of citizens have come, despite the fact that it's a work day," said Dr Saeed Al Ghafuli, member of the National Election Committee (NEC).
 "We expect more people to vote after working hours."
Dr Al Ghafuli added: "We call upon all eligible citizens across the nation to go to the polling stations and exercise their right to vote."
According to the NEC, members of the Electoral College can vote for their preferred candidates at any polling station, even if the y reside in other emirates.
Some 495 Emiratis are vying for 20 seats on the FNC, and the remaining 20 places will be appointed for each emirate.
Making ballots count
"I have voted for someone I believe will do good for his people and is capable of presenting our problems to the FNC. I checked his background and agenda before coming here to vote," said Hamad Al Mansouri, an Abu Dhabi resident who works with the Ministry of Interior.
Azza Al Matroushi, a voter from Ajman, said she decided to pick the candidate whom she believed would work towards the empowerment of the youth and women.  Halima Al Nuaimi, Saif Al Shamsi, Amina Muftah, voters from Ajman, said that they selected the candates whom they think would make changes and would be aware of his responsibilities.
Voters hail hassle-free election
The first day of elections went smoothly and, for most, voting took only a minute or so. The entire process was pleasant and hassle-free even for Ghaya Al Mas, an Abu Dhabi resident who had just given birth last month.
"The process has been smooth. I am still recovering from childbirth but I felt it's important for me to come and participate in these elections and vote for my candidate," said Al Mas, who came with her husband and their baby.
At the polling station in Sharjah, golf carts were allocated to transport voters, especially senior citizens, from one point to another, said Ahmed Al Zarouni, chairman of the election committee in Sharjah.
There are also wheelchairs for people of determination at the main hall, and voting machines have been designated for them.
Youth make their presence felt
While the seniors and housewives filled the polling stations in the first three hours, the youth started coming in at around 1pm at the Sharjah Chess Club, one of the designated early voting centres.
Mohamed Al Harmoudi, a young voter, said his role in nation-building as part of the country's youth is important for the UAE's development. "I voted for a young candidate as I believe he will play a great role in solving all youth-related issues like employment, housing, education and opportunity to participate in the country's development process," Al Harmoudi said.
Mohammed Manaa, a person of determination, said: "I voted for the candidate who said he would do what he can to solve issues for people with special needs and youth."
EARLY FNC VOTING
WHEN
>Until October 3 (9am to 6pm)
WHERE
>Nine stations
1-Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
2-Al Ain Convention Centre
3-Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra
4-Dubai World Trade Centre
5-Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club
6-Ajman University
7-RAK Exhibition Centre
8-Etihad Hall in UAQ
9-Fujairah ExhibitionCentre
WHAT TO BRING
1-Voters are required to carry their Emirates ID
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• Abu Dhabi