Abu Dhabi, May 1, 2018 – The Ministry of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs continues to organise lectures in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Majalis Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, to promote political participation among all members of society.

Majlis Mohammed Khalaf hosted the second lecture last night (Monday, April 30, 2018), where His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, discussed the UAE’s parliamentary system and the success of the previous three elections, as well as their role in promoting political participation.

“These lectures are a positive step forward, and an essential part of an integrated national programme targeting all segments of society and spreading awareness,” H.E. said. “They bring participants up to speed with the political development process taking place in the UAE, which was clearly manifested in the remarkable success of the FNC elections in 2006, 2011 and 2015.”

The Ministry of State for FNC Affairs is continuously working to modernise the UAE’s parliamentary system and create new channels to promote political participation, H.E. explained, stressing the Ministry’s commitment to raising awareness of the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on the country’s 34th National Day.

“The UAE’s parliamentary system has become a model to be emulated, commanding attention from organisations around the world,” H.E. Lootah explained. “This success stems mainly from the relationship between the leadership and citizens of the UAE. Our leaders are dedicated to identifying the issues and challenges that face their people, finding solutions to address them, and empowering citizens to take the lead and excel on a global scale and in all areas.”

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs noted that embracing the latest and most accurate electronic voting systems provided a secure and efficient environment for voters, encouraging citizens to take part in the electoral process, which adhered to the highest and most transparent international standards.

H.E. Loatah revealed that the most recent elections of 2015 witnessed great improvement in terms of turnout, as well as in the political empowerment of women, where the UAE set another precedent with Her Excellency Dr Amal Al Qubaisi winning the post of President of the Federal National Council, while the number of women in the Council is now among the highest in the world.

Designed to promote political participation, the lectures host high-profile experts in a series of lectures exploring innovative approaches to enhancing political awareness and communication with all segments of society. They also serve to implement the Ministry’s vision and build long-term national partnerships and promoting political participation in society.