‘Public must learn what FNC can and can’t do’ say former members

Federal National Council members who are hoping to serve another term claim their chances of being re-elected are being hampered by the public’s lack of knowledge about their role.

Members of the most recent Federal National Council at their chambers in Abu Dhabi. With elections looming, candidates want better public understanding of the council’s role. Silvia Razgova / The NatiShow more

ABU DHABI // FNC members seeking another term say their chances of being re-elected are hampered by the public’s lack of knowledge on what they do.

They say they have been criticised for not solving problems that are outside their duties.

Dr Sheikha Al Ari, a member from Umm Al Quwain who is seeking re-election, has taken to social media to list the FNC’s achievements after receiving criticism that was sometimes undue and hurtful.

“It is actually unawareness of the role of the council,” she said. “We have a regulatory and legislative role. Members of the public look at it with a personal scope in mind.

“They look at what we did for them personally, how we seek to provide them with their needs, but that is not our duty.

“They hold you accountable for that but they should question our effort in discussing laws and how we adopt the topics.

“They only see an individual problem or a problem that a group of people are having, and they probably did not communicate with us or discuss the issue with us.”

Dr Al Ari said she was available to meet or take calls from anyone who had an issue to raise with the council.

The media was also to blame as it did not always reflect the hard work members put in and the topics of discussion were reported in a way that did not explain their relevance to people’s lives, she said.

“We suggest that topics are presented to the public and have them communicate with us, even before we discuss it,” she said.

Another member, Mosabeh Al Kitbi from Sharjah, believed misunderstandings about the FNC could be resolved by having the debates broadcast on television.

“The question is always ‘what have you done?’ and it is all, in my opinion, because of a lack of a live TV broadcast of the council’s session,” he said. “That puts members at a disadvantage and the council, and that effects the more present and interactive members.”

Mr Al Kitbi said it also affected the re-election of the candidates.

He called on decision makers to look into the matter and ensure the nation knew to discuss the incidents with the council.

There are 341 candidates running for the FNC, with elections taking place on October 3.