Special Features
Stability And Modernisation Are Key Considerations In UAE’s Political Programme: Dr Gargash
His Excellency Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Head of the National Election Committee (NEC) stated that the political programme launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan stresses on sustaining stability and modernisation in the UAE while empowering people for parliamentary participation."As we move closer to the Federal National Council elections of 2011 we are witnessing a major jump in the size and content of the electoral process. This growth is a testament to the success of the President’s initiative to engage Emiratis in the political process and advance political participation through gradual stages, building on the success of each stage,” Dr Gargash said in a press statement issued today.
Dr Gargash added: "In a sense, the current developments in some Arab countries underscore the stability of the UAE and the timeliness of the political programme, aimed to build the future of the UAE through positive political contribution. The essence of the programme is to continually and gradually develop political participation, with due review and forward-planning after each stage.
"There are many qualitative and quantitative improvements in this year’s elections compared to the first FNC elections in 2006. The increase in the strength of the Electoral College from 7,000 voters in 2006 to 130,000 in 2011, representing a larger population of UAE nationals over the age of 21, in itself is undoubtedly a quantum leap that nobody can ignore. The expanded Electoral College is a major step forward in the electoral process and represents wider support for the political participation programme of the leadership. Such wider participation will support and strengthen the federal experience as envisioned by His Highness the President."
Dr Gargash continued: "The rise in the number of women and youth in this year’s Electoral College reflects the maturity of the UAE’s electoral experience. It mirrors the balance and strength of the UAE society and our success in empowering women. Women play a major role in UAE development by enriching our society. Meanwhile, our youth have given us the confidence that the torch of our federation will be carried forward. The presence of these two groups in the Electoral College is a natural and positive development.
"The expansion of the Electoral College poses an organisational challenge but we are sparing no effort to ensure that the elections will be well-organised, transparent and held according to the most modern standards. I am grateful to the enormous support for our efforts from the government bodies led by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and the officials in his Ministry.
"We are fully aware that there could be remarks and complaints on non-inclusion of names in the Electoral College in the coming days, as seen in the 2006 elections. It should not be forgotten that the most significant element of this year’s elections is the increase in the scale and participation in the process. The FNC elections 2011 is a national endeavour aimed to strengthen the foundations of political participation in the country and we should not allow any feeling of partisanship, sectarianism or tribalism to dilute it.
“All of us should adopt a broader vision and make it a priority to support the UAE federal experience and develop it to be an ideal model for wider political participation instead of compromising the unity, stability and achievements of the country."
Dr Gargash explained: "The high level of interest seen in the electoral process is a matter of great pride and we expect men and women to be nominated as candidates and a fair competition to follow in the coming days as per the time table announced for the elections. We also hope the election campaign will become a national platform to highlight issues relevant to citizens and that such political dynamism will enrich the social experience of the UAE.”
"The political participation programme will support to the development drive of the UAE and hence, we should stand united behind this process, building on it and advancing it to meet the future requirements of the country," Dr Gargash concluded.
