ABU DHABI // The number of people eligible to vote or stand in Federal National Council elections has been steadily increasing since elections were first held in 2006.
While the trend seemed to suggest that all Emiratis would be able to vote in the future, the matter was still unclear, according to Tariq Lootah, undersecretary for the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs and head of the Elections Management Committee.
In 2006, 6,689 people were given the franchise or to stand for a position across the emirates.
In 2011, that number rose to 135,308, and last year the size of the electoral college increased by 66 per cent, and constituted 224,279 electors.
How the election process would evolve from now on was “unpredictable”, Mr Lootah said.
“If I could speculate how much it will increase, I will build my speculations on history. We started with 6,689 ... to 224,279, so the percentage is unpredictable.”
He said the colleges were decided by the Rulers’ courts.
“I expect it to develop and not to shrink, but I don’t have a certain piece of information to build on.”
As for how much longer it will take to include everyone over the age of 21, he said: “This is based on authoritative decisions. All I can say is that 10 years have passed since we began Tamkeen [an initiative to gradually increase political participation, introduced in 2005] and the gradual increase was clear.
“Unfortunately some people are in a hurry, they want to transfer other models here, but every country implements what is suitable for it. We are a country with a special case.”
He said that the gradual inclusion of voters was necessary.
“The country was founded 46 years ago on a certain system. When it changes, that system will effect an entire society.”
Hessa Al Kitbi, 31, a voter last year, agreed.
“If we opened the elections and made it unlimited, without restrictions, we are only creating chaos and parties – taking the Kuwaiti experience as an example.
“We are not in need of such an experience. This is the most right and fairest way. We are trying to give the chance to everyone to participate, by turn, over the cycles.”
She did not believe electors were chosen based on certain criteria.
“My name was randomly selected, [like] many other locals coming from all social classes and tribes. I was not selected in the past cycle but this time I was. It was important for me to vote because it is my duty to participate when my country gives me the chance to.
“I do not know if I will be lucky next time to get the chance to vote and elect, but I surely will if my name comes up,” she said.
Salem Al Shehhi, a winner for Ras Al Khaimah’s in the previous elections, did not sense a shortage in the number of selected voters from his emirate.
“It was enough and covered large numbers,” he said.
In fact, he did not have to advertise or “pay a single dirham for social media campaigns, not a brochure or a campaign tent” to introduce himself to electors.
“I only announced I was running, and people started campaigning for me and posting photos across social media and so on.”
Mr Al Shehhi received 2,037 votes, 700 more than the second-placed candidate.
Zeina Ali, a 32-year-old businesswoman, who has not been selected yet, agreed with the gradual expansion. However, she feels that “not anyone should be able to run for elections”. She said: “If I were in the electoral college, I would not have been a candidate, but yes, I would have voted. It is important for me to participate.”
hdajani@thenational.ae
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Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
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Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Scores:
Day 4
England 290 & 346
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Sri Lanka require another 75 runs with three wickets remaining
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• Dubai Marina
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Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
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Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
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Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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TV: BeIN Sports
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
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Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score)
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
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Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
