Participation is the key in FNC election

We have a date for the poll. Now to get the national conversation going

An emirati casts his vote in the FNC elections. Jaime Puebla / The National

With voting in the third Federal National Council election barely five months away, candidates for the 20 places on the consultative body face a series of challenges. One is to ensure that the expanded pool of eligible voters understands exactly how their preferred candidate plans to convey the people's voice to the FNC. Another must be to enthuse voters enough for them to cast their ballot.

At the last election in 2009, only 28 per cent of the 127,274 eligible voters cast their ballot. This low participation rate was identified by the National Election Committee as a matter of particular concern. Rightly so. Low turnout affects perceptions about the authority of the council. It could also be seen as a lack of voter engagement with a body that represents citizens’ views on the important issues being considered by the Cabinet.

This will be an important election in all sorts of ways. For many, this will be the first opportunity to vote because the number of eligible voters is set to increase significantly (though the number is as yet unspecified). The poll will also allow overseas ballots. And in the countdown to Election Day, October 3, there will be a concerted attempt to improve participation.

Around the world, community representation is at the heart of good governance. Leaders need to know what people at every level of the community think and want and feel. It is important for those in high office to be aware of what ordinary citizens are discussing in the majlis and around the office water cooler so that it can all be factored into the decision-making process. Candidates can, of course, only do this if they are in tune with the communities they represent.

It is worth remembering that the FNC is still relatively new. As its role becomes more embedded in ordinary life, voters’ participation is sure to increase. In a sense it is an organic process of maturing and the FNC’s gradual evolution is evident in its achievements in its second session. These include voicing the community’s concerns about the need for a comprehensive child protection law and that the elderly are falling prey to unscrupulous caregivers. These are encouraging signs of a body that is growing into its role.