Special Features
Women And Youth Set To Play Major Role In Federal National Council Elections
The National Election Committee (NEC) has stated that women and youth have the opportunity to make a strong impact in this year’s Federal National Council elections. Women account for 46 per cent of the total members of the Electoral College announced by NEC ahead of the elections, while 35 per cent of the members are below the age of 30.Among the 129,274 Electoral College members named from all the seven emirates, 59,991 are women and 69,283 are men. The share of women members in each emirate is as follows: 52 per cent in Abu Dhabi, 47 per cent in Dubai, 48 per cent Sharjah, 39 per cent in Ajman, 33 per cent in Umm Al Quwain, 38 per cent in Ras Al Khaimah, and 30 per cent in Fujairah.
Commenting on the strong presence of women, His Excellency Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the NEC, said: "Opening the door wide for women to participate in FNC elections confirms the UAE’s commitment to treating all citizens equally, irrespective of their gender or any other differences and shows that deciding factor is the person’s contribution to the UAE and its people".
"Women represent half of the UAE society and they are the ones best able to understand and discuss issues concerning women and other groups. The political participation of women is a necessity, and not a luxury, which will lay strong foundations for an open and advanced society, well-aligned with our culture and history," added His Excellency.
His Excellency further stated: "The UAE stands first in empowering women in the Middle East and North Africa where working women represent 59 per cent of the total public sector workforce, according to a study by the United Nations. More than 22 per cent of the members in the previous Federal National Council were women and the UAE Cabinet already has four women ministers."
Commenting on the participation of the youth, His Excellency said: "Young people constitute a fundamental pillar of development in the UAE society. They are an important segment and it is imperative to involve and encourage them to be part of our political life. They are also our link with future generations and essential elements in the sustainable progress and development of the UAE.”
"The UAE has given due prominence to the younger generations by giving people over the age of 21 years the right to vote and those over 25 years of age the right to contest the elections. It has provided many young Emiratis the opportunity to be part of the decision-making process in the country as many of them hold leadership positions at the federal and local levels," His Excellency explained.
The National Election Committee announced the Electoral College on the 11th of July 2011. Citizens can check for their names in the Electoral College on www.uaenec.ae or through the NEC’s call centre 60056661.
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