Registration opens for Federal National Council candidates

DUBAI // Registration for candidates wishing to take part in the Federal National Council elections opens on Sunday.

Dedicated registration centres have been set up around the country in preparation and with tens of thousands more Emiratis eligible to vote and stand this year there could be a huge increase in the number of prospective candidates.

Candidates can either submit their nomination themselves or have it done through a representative.

They must be at least 25 years old on election day, October 3, literate and a citizen of the emirate they live in as well as having a certificate of good conduct.

The registration process requires that electoral college members bring their original Emirates ID, family book and a certificate of good conduct addressed to the National Election Commission, and Dh1,000 in cash.

If a candidate is being registered by a representative that person must also provide their own Emirates ID card.

It is not a requirement for a representative be a member of an electoral college, however they must be an Emirati, literate and with an academic certificate.

Candidates must register in the emirate in which they live.

Those wishing to stand who are in the military, or federal or local government employment need an absence certificate showing they will be on leave from the date of the announcement of the final list of candidates, August 31, until election day.

Candidates can choose to withdraw their candidacy by September 14.

The election will be held in several centres nationwide on October 3 and those wishing to vote early can do so, on September 28 to 30.

UAE nationals who live abroad can vote on September 20 and 21.

The registration process runs from August 16 to August 20.

The number of Emiratis eligible to vote and stand as candidates has increased from 135,308 in the 2011 elections to almost 225,000.