FNC candidates adopt modern campaigning methods

Khaled Al Qubaisi, left, an FNC candidate, discusses his strategy with his father Ahmed Al Qubaisi, second left, Hilal Al Falahi, his friend, and Jumaa Al Qubaisi, right, his uncle. Jeffrey E Biteng /Show more

ABU DHABI // FNC candidates are adopting modern methods to convince voters that they should represent them.

While some are focusing on the traditional ways of promoting themselves – newspaper advertisements and billboards – others are turning to social media.

For his first attempt to be elected to the FNC, Khaled Al Qubaisi, 38, said he would not be advertising in certain newspapers as they are too expensive.

“I think spending a lot of money on a campaign sends the wrong message,” said Mr Al Qubaisi, a senior vice president at Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company.

He said his campaign would focus on social media.

“I plan to run an ‘e-campaign’ which will have the greatest effect with the least amount of resources,” he said.

Mr Al Qubaisi said he will also be holding a daily majlis open to the public at his home, but it would not be the focus of his campaign.

He said voters had a responsibility to not only cast their vote but to use it wisely.

Before considering a candidate, Mr Al Qubaisi said, “voters should research the candidates, contact them, and ask them the right questions. Make your decisions based on the issues rather than advertisement or affiliation”.

Ajman candidate Eman Al Soom, 36, is using traditional electioneering techniques as well as social media.

“I am using everything in my campaign such as billboards on streets and leaflets distributed to voters,” she said. “But the main thing is social media such as Twitter, Instagram and a website, as well as the tents where I invite a group of women and discuss my electoral programme.”

She is awaiting confirmation from the National Election Committee as to whether she can use a YouTube channel to post videos about her message to the electorate.

Ms Al Soom, who is a media director for Ajman’s Executive Council, also agreed that big spending did not guarantee electoral success.

“Each candidate can spend as much as they want on their campaign. There is no minimum but the maximum is Dh2 million.

“But it is not necessary for a candidate to spend Dh2m to win. The attendance and voters are the essential things,” she said.

Ali Al Amri, a candidate from Dubai, said he would mostly use social media including Twitter and Instagram platforms to post videos and mission statements.

“I have already uploaded a video to make people familiar with who I am and what my plans are,” said Mr Al Amri, who has worked for Dewa and state security.

“I will rely on social media a lot. I also have friends in different areas who know different locations. I will later be going out with them to meet people and explain my programmes.”