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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), has stressed the need for the members of the Electoral College to exercise their right to vote, given their critical role in the success of the process of empowerment.
His Excellency also stated that the Federal National Council elections, scheduled for the 24th of September this year, is the best way of supporting the political participation programme in the UAE and its progress.
"The participation of the Electoral College members in the elections is a national duty towards further empowering the Federal National Council. The expansion of the Electoral College this year confirms the leadership’s commitment to move forward and enhance participation of citizens in policy-making in the UAE," His Excellency said during a lecture organised by NEC today in Al Ain in co-operation with Shamsa Bint Suhail Centre for Creative Women.
Dr Gargash added: "The UAE, for many years, has pursued an approach that enables women to play an active and essential role in the community and women account for 46 per cent of the total members of the Electoral College. Broad participation of women the elections is a must to consolidate their leading experiences and assert their vital role in serving the UAE society and the country."
His Excellency noted that the first elections in 2006 was a successful experience and that in 2011, the elections have taken a giant leap forward in terms of the size of the Electoral College, which has over 130,000 members now.
The Electoral College for this year’s elections also represents the various sections of the UAE community and especially youth, with 35 per cent of the members falling under the age of 30. "The leadership has given due prominence to the youth, placing great confidence in them. The younger generations have been invited to participate in the elections and fulfill their national duty, as they are our link to the future and essential elements in the sustainable progress and development of the UAE," said His Excellency.
Referring to the arrangements for the elections, His Excellency Dr Gargash said: "With the Election Day approaching, the National Election Committee is working diligently to complete all preparations and the electoral process itself in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the people and the leadership of the UAE. Most of the work has been completed, particularly with regard to distributing the 13 polling stations based on the density of population and distance to be covered by voters.”
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