Even nine years since the first election of members to the Federal National Council, there remains a lack of awareness about the role it plays. This hampers both the development of the council and the effectiveness of its members in doing their job. As Dr Sheikha Al Ari from Umm Al Quwain told The National, FNC members have been criticised for not solving problems that are outside their areas of responsibility, many of which relate to individual Emiratis' concerns rather than national issues.
While there has been a concerted effort by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs in the recent few years to raise awareness of the FNC’s role through talks and lectures, more clearly needs to be done to educate citizens about the body’s responsibilities, duties, mandates and limits.
People should understand that the FNC is an advisory body for the Government. It was formed in 1971 under the provisional constitution, and until 2006 all members were chosen by the rulers of each emirate. According to the constitution, the council is responsible for reviewing and amending draft laws, but not approving them. It has the authority to question federal ministers about their ministries’ performance, but not take action about it. It has a duty to discuss the annual budget, but not interfere in it. It is responsible for raising issues concerning the public and recommending solutions, but not for addressing them directly. All these responsibilities come with limits that members cannot cross.
The misunderstandings about the FNC suggest there is a need to include UAE governance as a subject in schools and universities, so everyone understands the country’s structure and the roles of the President, the Supreme Council, Cabinet, judiciary and the FNC. The earlier people learn about the system, the more comprehensive their understanding will be.
It is important that people know who they are voting for and what their responsibilities should be during their term on the FNC. With the existing limits on campaigning, candidates should make extra efforts to reach the public through social media and other modes of communication to present their visions and discuss their ideas. And there should be more focus on meritocracy. We all need to support this political process to take the FNC to a higher level.