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Abu Dhabi: The UAE took a step nearer democracy in a ground-breaking move yesterday when President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that for the first time, half the members of the Federal National Council would be elected. The decision aims to make the council more dynamic and representative. "We have decided to start activating the role of the FNC by electing half of its members through councils for each emirate and appointing the rest," Shaikh Khalifa said in a statement on the eve of the UAE's 34th National Day. "Considering developments in our region, which is now witnessing transformation and reforms, the years ahead in our blessed march require a bigger role for the FNC by empowering it to be an authority that would provide great support and guidance to the executive arm of the government," he said.
The President pointed to more powers for the 40-member council, the UAE's unicameral parliament. "We shall work to make the council more capable, more effective and more sensitive to the issues affecting the nation and the people." He spoke of more representative policies. "This would be done by ensuring a more participatory process and the entrenchment of Shura [consultations] policy. By doing this, we will embark on a march that culminates in more participation and interaction from all the citizens of the country." A senior official was quoted as saying that no general election would be held. "Officials of each emirate will appoint representatives to the council, which will have some 2,000 members, mostly dignitaries, Shaikhs and prominent figures in the society," he said. "This entity will then elect from either within or outside its ranks half of the council." Gulf News has learnt that the Presidential Court will issue a by-law later regarding the election process. Shaikh Khalifa also spoke of a new policy of transparency, accountability and equal opportunities, as well as the restructuring of government institutions.
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