Trained election staff are an asset
Deeper engagement with the Federal National Council starts with voter turnout
The Federal National Council is an important institution driven by the desire to spur civic engagement in the affairs of the country. As with any such project, it will only ever be as strong as the informed participation therein. There is certainly room for improvement: the turnout in the past two rounds of voting for FNC representatives was lower than anticipated. In part, this was on account of confusion about the role of the FNC in the life of the country. But by October 3, when the third election will be held, voters can be deemed to have built up some familiarity with the idea of having an FNC that is broadly representative of the UAE in terms of age, gender – and preoccupations. That is why the National Election Committee’s push to increase Emirati participation in the election process is a wise and necessary development.
As The National reported yesterday, the NEC has tailored a training programme with the help of the Higher Colleges of Technology, for Emiratis to train as volunteers and help oversee the elections. The week-long training course will be the first of its kind in the UAE. It will aim to enrich understanding of the Tamkeen initiative to increase political participation in the country, as laid down by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, in 2005. The trainees will also learn about the role of the FNC.
Emiratis have participated as volunteers in past FNC elections but never as qualified observers with intimate knowledge of the processes of the political body. While the NEC course will ease election day confusion, its real effect will be seen a few years down the line. In essence, the programme is training a new generation to participate in different ways in bodies such as the FNC. This is not something that can be learnt overnight and, as is the case in many countries, remains a constant work in progress.
Now that the FNC is set to embark on its third elected term, it is time to encourage deeper knowledge about the workings of the body and, ultimately, greater participation in its election. This is essential if the FNC is to fully realise its potential.