ABU DHABI // The National Election Committee (NEC) has launched a training programme for polling station staff ahead of scheduled Federal National Committee (FNC) elections in October.
Tariq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs and the chairman of the Election Management Committee, said he expected the programme to foster a culture of political participation and infuse a high degree of professionalism in the management of the electoral process.
“Through this training programme we are aiming to enhance the capabilities of staff at the polling stations by providing them with practical experience in the management of one of the most important national events,” he said.
“This project will contribute to the success of the electoral process and help create a culture of political participation.”
Dr Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, director of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), which is working with the NEC, encouraged citizens to volunteer to be a part of the polling teams and enrol in the training courses.
Applicants must be UAE citizens, over 21 years old, and committed to working with the election centre.
“We are keen to encourage educational practices that will help carry out the electoral process with the highest degree of professionalism,” he said.
Mr Lootah said the electoral process has been a learning process for the NEC and everyone else involved, including the candidates.
This year, there are many changes scheduled to take place.
They include voters being able to cast a ballot at any polling station regardless of their home emirate.
Changes are also being made to the interface of the electronic screens at polling stations to make voting faster.
“Electronic voting may seem simple to people, but it takes a lot of time and preparedness beforehand,” Mr Lootah said. “We’re working on many important changes in modifying the interface to make it simpler for people to cast their vote electronically.
“In the case of a large number of candidates running for election we would like to save on-screen time by offering only the number of the candidate instead of scrolling through a long list of faces.”
HCT is also offering a certificate in polling station management.
Applicants can register by visiting the website www.uaenec.ae or by registering at any HCT college.
Mr Lootah emphasised that this year’s elections marked a step forward in the implementation of the empowerment programme launched by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa, to promote political participation and make the FNC a supportive element of executive power in the country.
He hoped that the training programme would promote political awareness and participation.
“We hope it’s going to be a big turnout on election day,” he said. “I want to see long lines at the polling stations this year.”
Tariq Al Ketbi, 22, an HCT student, said he would be thrilled to apply for the programme.
“It’s an interesting volunteer opportunity with a certificate and some essential qualities that I believe would help my job search,” he said.
“It’s also a national duty and it’s exciting to get more involved in our Federal National Council proceedings.”
The National Election Committee and HCT hope the programme will provide human resources and technical skills and support for the electronic voting system to ensure polling stations are ready on election day, October 3.
nalremeithi@thenational.ae