Sharjah children council elections begin
sharjah — Electronic voting for representatives of Sharjah children shura council (parliament) kicked off on Tuesday at 14 centres across the emirate. From the 148 children who registered to run for the election, 92 candidates have been selected.
The parliamentary council — formed by free election every two years — represents Sharjah children centres and schools of the emirate. The candidates of the parliament are in the age-group 8-11 years.
The winning participants will serve a two-year term on the parliament during which they will be involved in many sessions that discuss children rights and progress, development of their future.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Aisha Ali Al Kabbi, director of Shajrah Children Centre, said that the first council was established in 1997, under the name of Sharjah Children Parliament, based on direction of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The candidates campaign for the election and meet with their peers at children centres located in all cities and region of the emirate. “The children elect their representatives, and ultimately elect the chairman, then his deputy and a secretary,” she said.
She explained that the children parliament operates under the auspices of the Children Centre Department affiliated to Sharjah Supreme Family Affair Council. It aims to build a generation that understands the democratic process and knows how to exercise its rights, as guaranteed by the constitution.
Making them responsible citizens
The main objective of the children parliament to instill the spirit of responsibility in young minds, to empower children to express their opinions about issues, and converse with officials without feeling shy. The parliament also aims at encouraging children to participate in public life, to stimulate children about issues in social organisations that are related to childhood affairs, especially related to child education, health, safety, and environment.
In each council session, four meetings are held during the two years, in which representatives discuss sensitive topics such as custody of children and if a child has the right to choose the parent he/she wants to live with.
At the end of each meeting, a final statement and recommendations is issued. Also, some representatives of ministers and departments that are related to those issues are invited to attend these sessions.
Omar Al Bastiky, a 10 year-old candidate said that the is excited to be a member of the parliament to represent the children of his area as this was his chance to convey their message to the authority.
Hamda Al Mulla, a voter from Al Khalidiya area, said she will give her vote to the one who she thinks is bold and brave and who has the ability to convey her message in the parliament.