Registration for FNC election candidates set to begin today

CENTRES IN ALL EMIRATES WILL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS UNTIL AUGUST 22

The National Election Committee (NEC), the body tasked with organising the fourth cycle of elections to the Federal National Council (FNC), announced yesterday that candidate registrations for the upcoming elections will be open from today in nine centres across the UAE.

The registration centres will accept applications from prospective candidates until August 22, and will be open during official work hours from 8am-3pm.

The NEC was established in January of this year by a decision of the Federal Supreme Council to exercise all powers necessary to oversee the election of representatives of the seven emirates to the Federal National Council (FNC).

NEC’s responsibilities include establishing the general framework of the electoral process and overall supervision of the conduct of the elections.

Requirements

The NEC said that candidates seeking to contest the FNC elections should comply with the constitutional requirements of being a citizen of the UAE, and permanent resident of the emirate they are seeking to represent. Candidates registering should also be aged 25 and above.

The NEC also said that candidates must possess a sound reputation capable of discharging his or her civic responsibilities. Candidates should also not have been convicted of any offences linked with their behaviour, unless they have undergone rehabilitation for such behaviour in accordance with the law.

According to the timeline of the fourth Federal National Council (FNC) election cycle, the announcement of the preliminary list of candidates will be made on August 25, while the final list of candidates is scheduled for September 3.

Official voting for candidates will first start from September 22-23 for overseas voters, with early voting taking place from October 1-3.

The main election day will fall on October 5, with the final list of elected candidates announced on October 13.