FNC is key to political empowerment
The second ordinary session of the 16th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC) has started in Abu Dhabi. Thrown open by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the current session is expected to take up a host of issues. These include the election of observers, setting up of a constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee, Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee among others. Besides deliberating on proposals submitted for approval, the Council would review several draft laws submitted by the government of the UAE. Among other things, key policies approved by the cabinet will also come up for discussion. These include account closing of the federal entities for the fiscal year ending on 31st December, 2015, anti-dumping, and the application of remote communication technology in penal procedures.
FNC has been an excellent example of participative governance in the UAE. With half its members directly elected by the people, the FNC has efficiently served its role since the mechanism was put in place. Over the years the FNC’s extended role has been hailed as a pioneering effort towards political empowerment by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. As the fourth federal authority in the hierarchy of the five federal authorities mentioned in the UAE constitution (Supreme Council of the Federation, Federation President and Vice-President, Federation Cabinet, the Federal National Council, and the Federal Judiciary Constitution), the FNC represents the people of the country. Candidates running for the membership of the FNC are required to run on individual platforms, with the campaign finances strictly regulated by authorities. Last year eligible voters outside the country were allowed to vote for the first time. Typically members serve a four-year legislative term. As an advisory platform, the FNC is a great example of how modern governments work.