Federal National Council Affairs ministry releases report on Elections 2015

A notable increase in voter turnout was witnessed in the Federal National Council, FNC, elections in 2015, where the total number of registered voters reached 224,281 and of them 79,157 cast their votes which is 35.29 percent of the general electorate.

The largest turnout by percentage points was seen in Umm Al Qaiwain, where 70.05 percent of registered voters took part in the elections, followed by Ajman with 49.79 percent and Fujairah with a 48.80 percent turnout.

In Ras al-Khaimah the turnout was 41.85 percent, in Abu Dhabi 38.72 percent, in Sharjah and Dubai 29.69 percent and 22.16 percent, respectively, according to a report of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council, FNC, Affairs released today.

The report highlighted the fourth-generation government excellence standards adopted by the Federal National Council Elections Committee, and underlined the committee’s role in promoting the efficient use of innovation, future forecasting systems, and smart applications to improve the quality of work and achieve tangible results in addition to pre-planning, a clear vision, and the efficient allocation of resources.

The study canvassed 1,411 voters, candidates, and other community members of all ages about the quality of services provided at polling stations during early and official voting, in order to measure customer satisfaction. Over 92.9 percent of voters and candidates were satisfied with the electoral process and procedures at all polling stations.

Along with the Federal National Council Elections 2015 Report, the Federal National Council Elections Committee published supplements about governance, election results, and statistics.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, said, "This is a highly important report, as it allows us to thoroughly look into the results and achievements registered during the elections, which were a milestone in the political empowerment programme launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It encourages us to learn from the results to further develop the programme."

Al Kaabi added, "We are always looking to draw lessons from our experiences. This report allows us to look back on our processes and plans and build on them to keep improving our electoral process moving forward, adhering to the highest standards and best international electoral practices."

As many as 94.8 percent or respondents expressed satisfaction with regards to service at the polling stations, and contentment with the modern techniques used namely, the electronic voting and identity verification systems. Meanwhile, 95 percent of respondents were satisfied with the time span allotted to the voting process, and 78 percent were happy with call centre services.

A total of 1,378 votes were cast in the early voting stage at the embassies and diplomatic missions of the UAE around the world, the report shows, revealing that holding elections in the UAE’s embassies encouraged overseas Emiratis to exercise their voting rights.

The report disclosed that the Federal National Council Elections Committee allowed UAE-based public-interest organisations to assist in monitoring the elections by sending representatives to any polling station in the country, provided they follow the rules set by the Committee in this regard. The Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Consultants, sent 10 representatives; and the Emirates Human Rights Association, EHRA, sent 13 representatives.

On another note, the study affirms that Emirati women were adequately represented and received widespread support, adding that women’s participation in the Cabinet and the FNC reflects the political maturity of the UAE society and leadership, and their confidence in the country’s women and their ability to play a vital role in building the future.

The 2015 FNC Elections saw 330 candidates run for office and their electoral campaigns focused on the social issues that most interest UAE voters.

A closer look at the distribution of the UAE general electorate reveals that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi accounts for 40 percent of all registered voters in the country, followed by Dubai, which accounts for nearly a quarter, which is 24 percent of all registered Emirati voters. Meanwhile, 14 percent of voters reside in Sharjah, and 12 percent in Ras al-Khaimah. The emirates of Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Qaiwain, account for five, three, and two percent of the UAE’s general electorate, respectively.