Call for 'knowledgeable and literary' candidates to contest FNC elections

The National Election Committee has set out its criteria for potential Federal National Council members as the application deadline draws near

Candidates for the upcoming Federal National Council elections have less than a month to register their interest. Antonie Robertson/The National

The countdown is on for the UAE's biggest election yet – and organisers of the Federal National Council vote are calling for "knowledgeable and literary" citizens to put themselves forward.

The National Election Committee has set out criteria for council candidates, with a need for people of "sound reputation" high on the agenda.

Hopefuls should be at least 25, be a UAE citizen and a permanent resident of the emirate they are aiming to represent.

The committee said would-be FNC members who have been convicted of crimes must have undergone rehabilitation to apply for the role.

More than 330,000 Emiratis are eligible to vote in the October 5 elections.

It is the largest electorate since the first council elections were held 13 years ago, when fewer than 7,000 Emiratis were eligible to cast a vote.

The rise in democratic representation has been rapid, as 50 per cent more voters will able to have their say in the coming poll than in the previous election, held four years ago.

Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of State for FNC affairs and chairman of the election committee, described the growth of the electorate AS “yet another step on the UAE’s political empowerment and engagement journey”.

Candidate-registration centres across the UAE will receive applications from August 18 to August 22.

The committee said those seeking to contest the FNC elections must comply with its constitution.

They must be a "knowledgeable and literary person of sound reputation capable of discharging his or her civic responsibilities".

Candidates may submit their applications in person or via an agent vested with a power of attorney to act on their behalf.

Candidates wishing to take part in the elections while holding a public office, whether federal or local, or who are employed with the UAE Armed Forces or allied military services, must submit a certificate stating that they have been granted leave from the date of the final candidates' list announcement on September 3 until election day.

Members of the judiciary can participate in the elections, but must resign from their post in order to apply.

Citizens can submit their candidacy on the NEC's website, http://www.uaenec.ae

The list of potential candidates for the FNC will be announced on September 3. Candidates can begin their campaigns on September 8 and any withdrawals must be submitted by September 15.

This year, for the first time, the NEC has removed the 48-hour period of "election silence" prior to the main election day.

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE Constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after federation.

Its members bring national issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.

The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting draft federal laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.

The FNC is comprised of 20 elected members and 20 members appointed by the country's Rulers. The President, Sheikh Khalifa, formally approved plans to ensure 50 per cent of the chamber was female, in an announcement last year.

During the 2015 elections, 78 women sought a seat on the council, although only one was successful.

Many more women are expected to be on the campaign trail four years on, however, thanks to the directive aimed at bringing gender balance to the council and bolstering female representation in public life.

The elected council members will be revealed on October 13, unless any objections or appeals lead to supplementary elections.