Dubai: The registration for candidacy to half of the Federal National Council's 40 seats began yesterday in all seven emirates, with members of the Electoral College coming in as early as 8am.

The registration period will run until Wednesday.

Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and head of the National Election Committee, yesterday praised the response of the members.

"We have received positive feedback from the applicants on the first day of nominations, which gives us further momentum to lend more effort and ensure the success of the elections," he said.