In response to the speech by the President on the importance of the country’s electoral process, Dr Gargash, in a lecture delivered in the Capital, said:
“His Highness Shaikh Khalifa’s call to his people for broad participation in the FNC elections reflects the leadership’s commitment to empower the council and enhance political participation.”
He said the speech delivered by Shaikh Khalifa on the importance of the Federal National Council (FNC) elections will motivate everyone involved in the electoral process to seek further progress and achievement.
“The consultative approach followed by the UAE leadership since its inception, as His Highness mentioned, has never been one necessitated by emergencies or regional and international developments. It is an original approach rooted in the political tradition of the UAE. The empowerment of the Federal National Council, in line with His Highness’s speech in 2005, was part of this approach,” said the minister.
Dr Gargash told an audience of citizens, including members of the electoral college and senior government officials, the UAE leadership’s policy was not to rush and burn fingers as it would not help in achieving a national programme that had a clear vision and took into account the country’s advanced and civilised experience.
“Hence, we started with gradual steps aimed at meeting the aspirations of the leadership and citizens. The President’s words that ‘We walk with a clear vision to empower the Federal National Council’ refer to this gradual approach,” said Dr Gargash. The minister added that the Federal National Council has had a fruitful experience during the past four years as it took up a number of national issues and succeeded in conveying the concerns of citizens.
The government responded positively to such efforts, especially to the council’s recommendations on draft laws and other issues.
He further reiterated that preparations have been completed for the election day on Saturday, adding that the National Election Committee and the Election Management Committee have made all the arrangements to enable voters to exercise their electoral right in an orderly and convenient manner.
