Female FNC members return to run again
133 women have filed candidacy so far according to National Election Committee
Returning female members of the Federal National Cou ncil (FNC) are again contesting in upcoming elections, with 20 women out of the 40-member House set to become political representatives of the seven emirates.
Naema Al Sharhan, the only woman who was elected in 2015, has filed her application to run again this year, representing Ras Al Khaimah.
Coming from a background in education, Al Sharhan told Gulf News she would take up not only education but all issues of concern to the nation — involving men, women and children.
A total of 372 hopefuls, including 239 men and 133 women, have filed their candidacy applications for the upcoming FNC elections across the emirates so far, according to the National Election Committee.
Since the announcement of an equal 50 per cent quota for women in the FNC was first made, female potential representatives
have become more excited about the elections.
Azza Bin Sulaiman, who represents Dubai, and Aisha Salem Ahmad Bin Samnuh, from Sharjah, are also running this time around.
337,000 eligible voters
“It’s time for women to shine and be given the credit, the respect, and the notoriety they deserve for their leading role in politics,” Bin Sulaiman said.
In 2015, there were nine woman members out of 40 — including the FNC Speaker.
During elections in 2015, 78 women campaigned for a seat — though only one was successful.
The House is comprised of 20 elected members and 20 members appointed by the Rulers of the emirates.
More than 337,000 Emiratis are eligible to vote for candidates on October 5. They are also eligible to run for membership.
Last year, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved plans to ensure 50 per cent of FNC representatives were women.
In line with this quota decree, Abu Dhabi and Dubai allocated two seats for women out of the four seats designated for each emirate by election, while Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain are each designating one seat for a woman candidate following the election from two seats designated to each emirate.
Pivotal moment
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have not dedicated any seats for women through the election, but once the elections results are announced, the Rulers can appoint women to ensure the 50 per cent quota is filled.
A pivotal moment for the FNC came in 2005 when Shaikh Khalifa decreed a road map, called Tamkeen, or empowerment, for political reform to strengthen public participation.