His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, stated that the success of the first electoral experience in Sharjah, to elect half the members of the Advisory Council, reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote the participation of citizens in the decision making process. “The success of the electoral process of Advisory Council is the result of consistent efforts made by the Supreme Committee of Sharjah Consultative Council Elections, which is keen to provide the highest standards of transparency and regulation. The success of the elections marks the success of the march of parliamentary process in the UAE,” said HE Lootah. “The decision to allow Sharjah’s citizens to vote in the Advisory Council elections enhances the emirate’s development potential and enables the citizens to contribute towards shaping the future of emirate. It also strengthens the role of the community in the decision-making process, which will reflect positively on the level of services provided to citizens, and help achieve their developmental aspirations,” added HE Lootah. HE Lootah commended the outstanding participation of women in the Advisory