FNC elections 2019: Influencing voters at poll stations prohibited, says official

The National Election Committee has granted polling station heads the power to take action for any violation.

Families and friends of some Federal National Council (FNC) candidates have been spotted outside polling stations trying to influence swing voters at the last minute - but this is strictly prohibited, a top official at the Sharjah election committee said on Wednesday.
"Those who will be caught doing such practice will be referred to the police. The penalty for violations ranges from warnings, fines, and even removal from the candidate list," the official said as the second day of voting closed.
Today is the last day of early voting at nine polling centres across the UAE. The main election day is on October 5.
The National Election Committee (NEC) has granted polling station heads the power to take action for any violation committed by candidates and voters.
Officials have reminded candidates that talking to voters within the corridors or any part of the centre is not allowed, and teams are  closely monitoring the sites.
They are in charge of maintaining order within the stations.
The process shall not exceed 10 minutes, and voters are not allowed to stay inside the centre for a long period of time.
Good turnout on 2nd day
The second day of polling saw a number of government officials and employees cast their ballots.
Mariam Al Shamsi, a government employee, said she took a few hours off her work day to vote for a candidate who seeks to boost Emiratisation and solve youth unemployment.
Abeer Al Bah, on the other hand, made sure she was at the centre early in the morning to avoid the crowd.  She said she voted for the candidate who would work hard towards providing training to job-seekers.
There were also a good number of retirees and people of determination at the polling stations.
Hani Dahmani said he came to vote after examining the programmes of candidates and selecting one who can help address the limited monthly salaries of people of determinantion and propose a health insurance policy for them.
Yousef Mohammad Al Shaiba Al Ali, a retiree, took the opportunity to support the FNC aspirant who had plans for the seniors.
"We need some to take up our issue at the FNC. The pension does not cover the necessary requirements, so it is important to demand the adjustment of the minimum monthly pay for retirees and consider their efforts throughout their careers," he said.
MAIN ELECTION DAY
On Saturday, voting will run at 39 polling stations nationwide.
According to the National Elections Committee (NEC), citizens can cast their votes at their nearest polling station, regardless of which emirate it is located and must produce their National Identity cards.
Some 495 Emiratis are competing for 20 seats on the FNC, with the remaining 20 places on the legislative council appointed by ruling sheikhs from the emirates.
Over 337,700 Emiratis are voting during the 2019 polls, marking a 50.58 per cent increase from 224,281 Electoral College members in 2015. Each voter only has one vote during the same election cycle and can choose only one candidate.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah