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Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) elections, to be held this month, should be the first step towards a genuine democratic process, according to a leading UAE strategist, who said it would be "a mistake" to stop there.
In an interview with Weekend Review, Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, adviser to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and director general of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, said the electoral process, should lead to the introduction of "universal suffrage to extend the right to vote to all UAE adults, so that all people have a say in the running of the government. This of course occurs after two or three experiences, which lead to direct elections"
He added: "Democracy can be achieved through elections. That means no confidence motions in parliament, press freedom and free civil society organisations."
However, it would not necessarily lead to the creation of political parties. "We Emiratis do not need political parties," he said.
Dr Al Suwaidi, who is also a member of the new National Media Council, said democracy also requires freedom of expression and press freedom is vital for this.
"Chronic problems in society must be addressed or the situation will get worse and worse. A powerful parliament and free press keep governments clean." The UAE, he said, should have a free but "responsible" press.
"Journalists should be given the right to publish and other parties have the right to bring them to court. But authoritarian orders and influence to throw the journalist into jail should not be used."
He said the UAE's Constitution must be the supreme law of the land and it should govern everyone. "There should be zero tolerance for violation of the constitution."
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