The Federal National Council (FNC) elections this year would use the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as part of a series of reforms introduced in the election process.
“The voting would be done using EVMs for the first time in the region. The system is fast, efficient and reliable and hence it is being introduced as we want to keep pace with modern facilities to improve the level of accuracy,” said Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for the Federal National Council Affairs in the Ministry of State for Federal National Council, as he spoke to the electoral college during an awareness lecture at Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday.
He said the voting system would be unique and progressive, in a way connecting with the youth who are a major part of this election.
As part of the system, dozens of EVMs would be installed in each voting centre and the voting could be done simultaneously by a large number of people.
As much as 35 per cent of the electoral college would consist of members between the age of 21 and 25 and a major chunk above this age group is also youthful.
The EC has seen a swell in membership from 7,000 in 2006 to close to 130,000 for this year’s elections.
Another change this year is the representation of women which has risen to 59,991. Women now form 46 per cent of the total voters.
Full Article: Voting machines for FNC elections.
