Proper procedure must be followed
Whether through misunderstanding or procedural ignorance, misdeeds have occurred in campaigning for previous FNC ballots. The NEC has warned against it for the upcoming vote. A firm stance on any irregularities is required, Ola Salem writes
Last month , a National Election Committee official warned against illegal practices ahead of the upcoming Federal National Council elections.
These include racial intolerance, buying votes by way of gifts and promises and exaggerations in campaigns that may lead to slander and insults, according to Al Ittihad, The Na
tional’s Arabic-language sister newspaper.
There was no official acknowledgement of any breaches during the previous election, in 2011.
Major constitutional changes were made to allow half the members of the FNC to be elected in 2011, the second election held in the country, but many candidates participated in poor practices, whether intentional or not. Scores of candidates made promises that were unachievable, presenting voters with false hope and an inaccurate picture of the council’s powers. Once the NEC was made aware of the situation, a warning was printed in newspapers throughout the country.
Subsequently, a few candidates admitted they were misinformed about the council’s powers and, therefore, their ability to fulfil some of their promises to voters. Some of these included jobs for the unemployed, better health and education, improved working conditions for women and taking up greater powers in the FNC. Despite the NEC’s warning, some candidates did not retract their promises and actually continued to make pledges until election day. It is possible that they were unaware of the communal and political implications of their actions and how it might affect voting. Although candidates would not admit that they had bought votes, many did openly offer expensive gifts and cash to voters. Gifts were also sent to newspaper editors as a thank- you for promotional stories.
Because such generosity is endemic in UAE culture – and with the lack of previous election experience – it is likely these acts were not perceived by candidates or voters as being unethical. This could explain how unintentional bribery went unreported to officials.
While many practices could be blamed on a lack of understanding of election rules, other practices seemed inexcusable, including disseminating rumours about other candidates and slandering them. Some comments bordered on racial intolerance, particularly after certain tribes won a majority of votes in certain emirates, sidelining other tribes in the country.
Although it is possible the NEC dealt with these practices quietly so as not to encourage a repeat performance this time, it also means such ignorance of proper election procedures and an absence of political civility could continue..
The only way to address such misdeeds is a firm stance from the NEC and for candidates to be investigated and penalised if found to be participating in acts not becoming of prospective FNC members.
Local committees must play a stronger role in the October election to report such cases to the NEC quickly and they must be given the necessary power to put a stop to any bad behaviour from candidates.