Vote on ‘qualifications, not connections’

Tariq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, stressed that students should choose their candidates based on their 'credibility, and their sincere affiliation with the country, avoiding favouritism and family ties'.

Ali Al Nuaimi, an FNC member for Ajman, said candidates should be chosen based on ‘charisma’. Ravindranath K / The National

DUBAI // Emiratis should elect Federal National Council members based on their qualifications and not tribal connections, students have been told by a leading official.

Tariq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, was addressing the Student Councils Forum called Positive Patriotism, Progressive Patriotism, when he reminded them of the coming elections for the council’s next term.

He stressed that students should choose their candidates based on their “credibility, and their sincere affiliation with the country, avoiding favouritism and family ties”.

Ajman FNC member Ali Al Nuaimi agreed, adding that candidates should be chosen based on “charisma” and their ability to influence others.

“The UAE society is not big. It is limited and all personalities know one another. The candidate should be dealing with society and known by the people to have a bigger chance,” he said. “He needs to have charisma to gain the trust of the voters.”

With this year’s limit of one vote for each person, it is vital that each voter chooses qualified individuals.

He said that not all candidates had great educational qualifications, “but even if he knew how to read and write, presentability in front of the people and the extent of his topics’ presentation and discussion is important”.

“Well-known names will have the priority of votes from certain people, so it is inevitable that he had field experience,” he added.

Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai’s deputy chairman of police security, spoke about citizens’ loyalty and sense of belonging and how that should be the measure of citizenship.

“Any deviation from this path is unacceptable, for the UAE is a prime example of solidarity and cohesion throughout Arab history. A positive and progressive citizen is one who seeks to give more to his country without waiting for anything in return,” he said.

The forum, held at Dubai Men’s College, was under the patronage of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the state news agency Wam reported.