Dubai, July 31, 2018 – In collaboration with the Dubai Club for People of Determination, the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) organised a meeting with Club members as part of its efforts to promote political participation and raise awareness of political systems among this segment of society.
His Excellency Dr Saeed Al Ghafli, the Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for FNC Affairs, shed light on the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which seeks to empower the Council to exercise its constitutional mandate in discussing issues of interest for the country and its citizens.
H.E. introduced the audience to the Ministry’s role in coordinating between the Government and the Council, and the achievements and successes of the previous elections, before showcasing the virtual reality platform allowing members and others to remotely attend FNC sessions, as well as the electronic voting system implemented since the first elections in 2006 – the first of its kind in the region.
“People of Determination have the full support of the UAE leadership,” asserted H.E. Al Ghafli. “They are an essential element in the fabric of UAE society, and an integral part of the development and progress the country has witnessed at all levels. This meeting is part of the Ministry’s vision and objectives to reach out and establish contact with all segments of society, enhance their political awareness, and promote political participation among them. This, in turn, is a catalyst for them to be active in expressing their opinions on the issues and topics that concern them through the Federal National Council’s platform.”
“Today’s meeting reflects the commitment of the Ministry of State for the Federal National Council Affairs to maintaining constructive communication with the community. It highlights our continued efforts to cooperate with all government and social institutions, which enhances the prospects of building robust future partnerships that further promote political and national participation among all segments of the society,” H.E concluded.
The electronic voting system is an advanced and innovative system that reflects the evolution of the electoral experience from traditional paper ballots to a smart digital system. It is the product of joint efforts from several UAE Government departments and reflects a major shift in political life in the Emirates. The system was used in the FNC elections in 2006, 2011 and 2015.
This meeting is one of a series of awareness events organised periodically by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and targeting all segment of society. The series seeks to enhance the community’s political awareness and encourage them be active participants in the development and prosperity taking place across the UAE.