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His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee (NEC) said that the political programme launched by H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, in 2005 reflects the leadership insight and awareness on the importance of enhancing political participation, which complements the achievements of the country in the past four decades.
Addressing a lecture at the UAE University in Al Ain, Dr Gargash said: “The UAE started its programme of political modernization on the basis of H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visionary recommendations which paved the way for further political development.”
The lecture was attended by His Excellency Saeed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for Federal National Council, the Committee’s Rapporteur, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor of UAE University and university students and staff.
"The recommendations of the President highlighted the importance of developing political participation through a progressive model that reflects the aspirations of the country,” said Dr Gargash. "The UAE represents an ideal model of development across all sectors. There are many indicators that the country is among the best globally in terms of human development, and its political programme should be in line with these achievements.”
"There should be balanced development across all sectors, and our aim must not be limited to economic and social development, but also political development. This began in 2006 through the electing of half the members of the Federal National Council. The experience was greatly appreciated by UAE citizens.”
"The leadership commitment to continue political development is further underscored in the second phase, where the FNC role has been enhanced and empowered. Constitutional amendments have emerged during this phase such as extending the legislative term to four years instead of two, besides providing the council further independence through specific directives,” he explained.
“The experience of the previous FNC was successful. It discussed at least 33 important national issues and projects. The UAE Government approved 70 draft law amendments introduced by the Council, and responded to 200 questions raised by members of the FNC,” he said.
Dr Gargash said that the experience of the FNC is positive across all levels. “The representation of women in the Council was over 22 per cent of the total members, reflecting the strong participation of women in the public and political spheres and the active role they play in shaping national dialogue.”
The National Election Committee has seen an increase in the number of its members in 2011, including a larger segment of representatives of institutions as well as three public figures, which reflect the commitment to learn from the election experience of 2006. His Highness the President of UAE has not limited the number of participants in the electoral colleges to mark the growing role of the FNC. Dr Gargash also explained the various modalities related to 2011 elections and timelines.
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