ABU DHABI // Candidates in the Federal National Council elections said their presence at the voting centre had been crucial in winning the trust of voters.
On the last day of early voting on Wednesday, candidates waited at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to greet those turning up to cast their ballots.
“Being a candidate, you must be present to see how the voting goes and most candidates are here,” said Dr Obaid Khalifa Al Zaabi. “If voters see you available, they will rush to vote. Not being here will give a feeling to the voter that you’re not interested.
“Before coming to cast a vote, the voter knows who he has in mind. Our programmes are very clear, and distributed ahead of time, this is the time for us to greet them.”
Dr Al Zaabi called on all eligible voters to make sure they turned up on the official voting day on Saturday.
Another candidate from Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Al Mansouri, said he had been present for the past three days from morning to the afternoon to meet voters.
“The idea of early voting is excellent because it gave voters the chance to meet the candidates and this gives them trust in their future representative,” he said.
“Voters must feel our presence. They need interaction and this is one of the ways to get to know the candidates.”
Mr Al Mansouri said his and the other candidates’ presence also gave voters the chance to suggest future discussions for the council.
“Some will want to know your vision and this is what we candidates give – a futuristic vision,” he said. “Others came in with suggestions and that is the kind of interaction we need with the public.”
Candidate Faisal Al Zaabi said being present at Adnec for the past three days had allowed him to meet members of the public, who had assured him of their votes.
“The people are waiting to see who you are and what you are about and candidates must comply and be here,” he said.
“When they look for you, they must find you.
“This is how you build a mutual, trusting relationship.
“If I was not here, they would think less of me and that would affect me negatively because they might think that I am not caring or interested in their needs.”
He said he was optimistic that he had secured enough votes to be elected.
Among those who turned up to vote on Wednesday was Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Labour, who encouraged others to take part in the elections.
“The FNC has a great role, high authority and important power,” he said.
“It is important to stand by the candidates to see their achievements. We are following the political empowerment of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and by voting we are choosing to become responsible and participating in this journey.
“We feel responsible and we must choose the best.”
Mr Ghobash also praised the efforts of the election organisers and volunteers.
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