Federal National Council is key to political empowerment

The second ordinary session of the 16th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council, FNC, has started in Abu Dhabi, opened by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "The current session is expected to take up a host of issues," said the Khaleej Times in an editorial on Monday.

"These include the election of observers, setting up of a constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee, Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee among others.

"Besides deliberating on proposals submitted for approval, the council would review several draft laws submitted by the government of the UAE. Among other things, key policies approved by the cabinet will also come up for discussion. These include account closing of the federal entities for the fiscal year ending on 31st December, 2015, anti-dumping, and the application of remote communication technology in penal procedures.

"FNC has been an excellent example of participative governance in the UAE. With half its members directly elected by the people, the FNC has efficiently served its role since the mechanism was put in place. Over the years, the FNC's extended role has been hailed as a pioneering effort towards political empowerment by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"As the fourth federal authority in the hierarchy of the five federal authorities mentioned in the UAE constitution, the FNC represents the people of the country. Candidates running for the membership of the FNC are required to run on individual platforms, with the campaign finances strictly regulated by authorities. Last year eligible voters outside the country were allowed to vote for the first time.

"Typically members serve a four-year legislative term. As an advisory platform, the FNC is a great example of how modern governments work," concluded the Dubai-based daily.