Voters must have an Emirates Identity card to take part in the upcoming Federal National Council (FNC) elections. The card, which is equipped with a chip will be used for the first time to ensure the identity of the holder.
E-voting is considered to be one of the most efficient in ensuring a safe, effective and convenient election process, said Dr Ali Al Khouri, director-general of the Emirates Identity Authority and member of the National Election Committee (NEC). The election is scheduled to be held on September 24, officials said Tuesday.
The electronic voting system, he said, has been adopted in many countries across the world and the UAE was the first Arab country in the region to implement such an advanced system in 2006.
The UAE adopts best international practices in using e-voting systems. Leading e-voting solutions provider Logica Business and Technology has been chosen for the FNC elections this year.
The electoral base for this year’s elections has been expanded to ensure larger public participation, but the electoral rolls for the seven emirates will be announced on July 11, said Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and a member of the NEC.
Indications are that more than 80,000 people named by Rulers’ courts in the seven emirates will elect 20 representatives to the council.
“Preparations for the elections are proceeding to plan and in keeping with the vision of the UAE leadership,” Lootah told a news conference. Since the FNC’s inception in 1972, its members were appointed by the Rulers’ courts in different emirates.
Full Article: gulfnews : Emirates ID cards mandatory for members to vote in FNC elections.
