Women, youth to play vital role in UAE FNC elections

 There will be a total of 337,738 Emirati voters for this year's Federal National Council (FNC) polls, marking a 50.58 per cent increase from 224,281 electoral college members in 2015, the National Election Committee announced on Sunday.
The full electoral college list has been published on the NEC website, www.uaenec.ae.
The number of Emirati women electors increased by 50.62 per cent, compared to 49.38 per cent for men, highlighting the active role of women in nation-building. Earlier, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a decree that would ensure that half of the seats in the FNC would be reserved for women in the upcoming legislative cycle.
The 2019 electoral college list also highlights a strong youth representation, with citizens aged 21 to 41 comprising at least 61.32 per cent of the membership.
Geographically, 101,549 of the members are from Abu Dhabi; 60,772 members from Dubai; 64,293 members from Sharjah; 10,165 members from Ajman; 6,653 members from Umm Al Quwain; 55,289 members from of Ras Al Khaimah; and 39,017 members are from Fujairah.
Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of FNC Affairs and Chairman of the NEC, praised the substantial surge in the electorate numbers, pointing out that it testifies to the "unique relationship" between the leadership and the citizens of the UAE.
"The surge in the number of electoral college members is yet another step on the UAE's political empowerment and engagement journey. In addition, it reinforces the keen interest of the country's leadership in enabling citizens to participate in decision-making," Al Owais said.
All citizens whose names are included in the electoral college list are entitled to participate in the electoral process, whether as candidates or as voters.
Every voter has the right to vote once in person and cannot authorise anyone else to exercise this right on his or her behalf.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

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