This is a set of frequently asked or expected questions with answers. The questions have been divided into three major themes. The first theme will deal with the questions related to the NEC's work, the second with the questions related to the FNC elections, and the third with the questions related to the FNC.
National Election Committee
When was the National Election Committee (NEC) established?
The National Election Committee was established in February 2011. It held its first meeting at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, February 23, 2011.
How was the NEC established and how were Electoral College members selected to participate in the Federal National Council (FNC) elections in September 2011?
NEC was established by Decree No. 1 issued by the Federal Supreme Council (FSC) in 2011, amending some provisions of the FSC’s Decree No. 4 of 2006 on terms pertaining to selection of the representatives of the emirates in FNC. Thereafter, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President issued Federal Decree No. 2 of 2011, amending some provisions of President’s Decree No. 3 of 2006 on the method of selecting the representatives of the emirates in the FNC.
Article One of the FSC’s Decree stipulates that Paragraph (1) of Article One of the FSC’s Decree No. 4 of 2006 is to be replaced by the following text: Half the (FNC) members shall be elected by an Electoral College whose number of members are at least three hundred times the number of the representatives of the respective emirate.
Why was the NEC established?
NEC was established to be the legal committee which shall supervise the electoral process.
What is the NEC’s mandate?
The NEC’s mandate includes the following:
- Establishing the general framework of the electoral process
- Supervision of the elections as a whole
- Contributing to the awareness efforts about the elections
- Setting the election guidelines and establishing the polling centers in every emirate
- Approving the election’s regulatory and legal framework
- Issuing and approving the lists of Electoral College members
- Setting the election date
How are NEC members appointed?
NEC Members are appointed on the basis of Article 1 of Decree 2 issued by UAE President in 2011, providing for a mechanism to form a National Election Committee presided by H.E. the Minister of State for the Federal National Council Affairs, including: the Minster of Justice, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Secretary General of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, a representative of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Director General of the Emirate Identity Authority (EIDA), the Assistant Undersecretary for the FNC’s Affairs in the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in addition to three public figures selected by the head of NEC.
Who are the NEC Members?
NEC is chaired by H. E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs. The NEC Members are H. E. Hadef bin Juan Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice, H.E. Humaid Al Qatami, Minister of Education, H.E. Abdul Rahman Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, H.E. Ahmad Mohamed Al Humairi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, H.E. Najlaa Al Awar, Cabinet's Secretary General, H.E. Saif Abdullah Ashaafar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, H.E. Khalfan Al Roumi, H.E. Abdullah Humaid Al Mazrouei, H.E. Abdul Rahman Adouda Al Ameri, H.E. Dr. Eng. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri, General Director of Emirates Identity Authority, H.E. Tarek Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, H.E. Dr. Saeed Mohamed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for the FNC’s Affairs in the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (as a facilitator).
What is the difference between the NEC of 2006 and the NEC of 2011?
The 2011 NEC has increased in numbers, to include greater representation of the various UAE organizations and stakeholders concerned with the organization of the electoral process, in addition to three public figures. This reflects a keen interest in assimilating the lessons learnt from the 2006 NEC for better and more organized elections in 2011.
General Questions on the Elections
When will the Elections take place?
The FNC Elections will take place on Sunday, September 24, 2011.
Is there any specific laws governing the Elections?
There is a set of legislation organizing the election process, including the FSC’s Decree, H.H. The president’s Decree and the Executive Instructions. The NEC has issued the executive instructions on the 2011 FNC Elections.
Is there any difference between the 2006 and the 2011 Elections?
Yes, there is. In 2011, the minimum number of Electoral College members in each emirate is 300 times the emirate’s number of representatives on the FNC, while in the 2006 Elections the number was defined as 100 times the emirate's number of seats.
Electoral College
What is Electoral College (EC) and what is meant by an EC member?
The Electoral College is the list of UAE nationals named by the Ruler's Court of each emirate to represent that emirate. It is finally announced by the NEC. An EC member is anyone whose name is listed on the Electoral List that is issued by his/her respective emirate.
Can I run for the FNC Elections?
If your name is listed on your emirate’s Electoral College list, you can run for elections provided that you meet all the FNC Membership terms and conditions stipulated in the Constitution.
Can I run for the FNC Elections if my name is not listed on the Electoral College list?
The UAE is following a gradual approach in promoting political participation. One of the key goals at this stage is to create the necessary conditions so that citizens are more involved and better represented within the FNC. And, as a first step, the current approach shall offer to the UAE nationals the opportunity to participate in the elections through Electoral Colleges in each emirate in order to elect half of their representatives in the FNC and then gradually to move towards full-fledged elections.
For now, the persons whose names are not listed in the Electoral Colleges will not be able to participate in this year’s elections, but they may have the chance to participate in future elections.
How can I have my name listed in the Electoral College of my emirate?
It is the ruler of each emirate who determines the names of his emirate’s Electoral College as per the Presidential Decree. Each ruler has his own procedure in choosing Electoral College members. The list of Electoral College members, comprising more than 129,000 voters, was announced and published on the NEC's website on July 11.
Can I go to the Ruler's Court to register my name in the Electoral College?
No. The names have already been approved and listed. If your name is not on the list, it could be listed for future elections.
Does the NEC select the Electoral Colleges members?
No, this task does not fall within the NEC’s responsibilities. The ruler of each emirate determines the Electoral College members from his emirate. The NEC just announces the names coming from the ruler's Court.
What standards are followed in selecting Electoral College members?
The UAE Presidential Decree on the selection of Electoral College members to the FNC has granted each emirate’s ruler the right to set the standards they deem appropriate to for such selection and to name his emirate’s Electoral College members.
Can UAE nationals residing outside the country vote or run for elections?
An Electoral College member cannot vote or nominate himself for elections from overseas. He/she can only vote and contest provided that his/her name is on the Electoral College List and he/she comes back home and adheres to the time schedule of the elections.
Can all UAE Nationals vote in the FNC Elections?
No, only those whose names are listed in the Electoral College of each emirate have the right to vote or run for elections.
Does listing my name in my emirate’s Electoral College mean that I become an FNC member or that I am entitled to any benefits?
No it doesn’t. It only means that you have the right to vote or to run for elections if you like, provided that you meet the required terms and conditions.
What is the minimum number of the Electoral College members in each emirate?
The Electoral College of each emirate is defined as at least 300 times the number of that emirate's seats in the FNC. According to the UAE Constitution, the FNC comprises 40 members distributed on the emirates as follows:
| Emirate | Numbers of the emirate's seats on FNC | 300 times (at least) |
| Abu Dhabi |
8 |
2400 |
| Dubai |
8 |
2400 |
| Sharjah |
6 |
1800 |
| Ajman |
4 |
1200 |
| Umm Al Quwain |
4 |
1200 |
| Ras Al Khaimah |
6 |
1800 |
| Fujairah |
4 |
1200 |
How will the FNC members be elected in the 2011 Elections?
FNC will be formed after the Electoral College elects half the members from each emirate. The minimum number of Electoral College members shall be 300 times the emirate’s seats in each emirate.
What is the Electoral College member entitled to?
An Electoral College member has the right to vote as well as to run for elections in his/her own emirate only, provided that he/she meets the nomination terms and conditions.
Are all Electoral College members eligible to vote?
Yes, every UAE national, whose name is listed in the Electoral College, has the right to vote.
Are all Electoral College Members entitled to run for elections?
Yes they are, provided they meet the nomination terms and conditions stipulated in the Constitution.
Can I have the addresses of the Electoral College members?
No. The NEC does not provide the telephone numbers of the Electoral College members as this can breach the member's privacy.
Is my name on the Electoral College list?
You can check if your name is on the Electoral College list by visiting the NEC website: www.uaenec.ae, or by calling the NEC Call Center (600566661).
Can I be informed of the names the Electoral Colleges members in each Emirate?
You can visit the NEC website to see the names of all Electoral College members.
The Candidates
When can I nominate myself?
According to the elections timeline, the period set to register one’s candidature is 14/08/2011 to 17/08/2011.
Where can I nominate myself?
You can do so at your emirate’s election Committee Center. These are located as follows:
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Dubai: Dubai World Trade Center
Sharjah: Cultural Palace
Ajman: The General Secretariat of the new Executive Council
Ras Al Khaimah: The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development
Fujairah: Fujairah Trade Center
Umm Al Quwain: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
What are the terms and conditions for nomination?
- The candidate should be registered in the Electoral College of one of the emirates.
- The candidate should be 25 years of age and above.
- The candidate should be qualified as a good citizen (he/she should be of good conduct and reputation, not convicted of an offence, unless he/she has been rehabilitated as per the law).
- The candidate should be literate (having adequate knowledge of reading and writing).
What are the nomination procedures?
An FNC candidate should appear in person – not through an agent - at the emirate’s election committee Center in his/her own emirate and submit his/her nomination between August 14, 2011 and August 17, 2011. The following documents should be presented/ attached to the nomination application:
- Present the identity card issued by the Emirates Identity Authority.
- Present the Family Book
- Three recent colour photographs
- A certificate of good conduct addressed to the National Elections Committee.
- Registration fees of AED 1000 paid in cash or by cheque to the Ministry of Finance dated the day of application (non-refundable).
- Public – federal and local – employees, military and police officials should submit a certificate pledging to stop their public service employment from the date of announcing the final list of nominees (28/08/2011) to the date of adopting the final list of winners (28/09/2011).
- A certificate of resignation from employment for members of the judiciary authority.
- Private sector employees should indicate the nature of their work in the application.
- Candidate’s curriculum vitae (optional)
Can the candidate withdraw his/her nomination?
Yes. he/she shall notify the emirate’s election committee before September 21, 2011.
Are candidates entitled to vote?
Yes. They can vote for themselves or for others
Does the candidate have the right to appoint an agent?
Yes, provided that the agent’s name is listed in the Electoral College of the same emirate. This request should be registered and an Agent’s Card obtained.
Can the candidate and the agent be in the same Polling Center at the same time?
No, this is not allowed. The agent is a tool to be used only when the candidate is not present in the Polling Center to monitor the election process.
How can an Agent be registered?
An application should be submitted to the election committee of the respective emirate using the appropriate approved form seven days before 24/09/2011.
Which authority approves the Agents?
NEC
What is the role of the Agent?
The Agent should be present during the elections and vote-counting process, and should exercise the powers of the candidate in his absence.
Can public employees listed in the Electoral College run for elections/ can they return to their jobs if they do not win the elections?
Yes. A public employee may run for the FNC elections. He/she shall be considered on leave as of the date of the announcement of candidates List. In case he/she does not win the elections, he/she may return to his/her job, provided that his/her absence days shall be deducted from his/her annual leave or shall be considered an unpaid leave in case he/she does not have any leave left.
If the candidate is a military employee, he/she should apply for a leave and obtain the approval from his/her work.
If the candidate is a member of the judiciary, he/she should resign from his/her position before nomination.
Does a military employee listed in the Electoral College have the right to run for elections?
Yes he/she does, provided that he/she obtains a leave approval from his/her work.
Does a member of the judiciary listed in the Electoral College have the right to run for elections?
Yes he/she does, provided that he/she submits his/her resignation upon nomination.
As a candidate, should I vote for myself?
No, this is not mandatory. You can vote for any candidate you want, including yourself.
Electoral Campaigns (Publicity)
What are the general guidelines a candidate should follow in his/her electoral campaigns?
- Upholding the values and principles of the society, abiding by the rules and regulations and respecting public order.
- Candidates should not instigate religious fanaticism and sectarian, tribal or racial prejudice in their campaigns.
- Candidates should run their electoral campaigns in local, audio-visual and print media. They should also hold seminars, press conference in accordance with the prescribed instructions and special guidelines set by the NEC.
Is the candidate entitled to use the government establishments and facilities in order to run the electoral campaigns?
No school, university, institute, house of worship, hospital, government or semi-government building, public garden, or mall is allowed to be used for running electoral campaigns.
Is public funding allowed for electoral campaigns?
No ministry, public establishment, company or authority is allowed to fund or provide resources for electoral campaigns.
Does the candidate have the right to accept donations for his/her electoral campaign?
Candidates have the right to receive donations from individuals and entities provided that such donations do not exceed the expenditure ceiling of the electoral campaign. Most importantly, the candidate shall present a statement of account of these donations to the emirate’s election committee.
Is the candidate entitled to receive donations from abroad for his/her electoral campaign?
Foreign donations or funds cannot be accepted.
Is there any expenditure ceiling for the electoral campaigns?
Yes there is. The expenditure ceiling on electoral campaigns shall not exceed an amount of two million Dirham.
Does any electoral campaign require approval?
Yes. The candidate shall disclose the sources of funding of his/her electoral campaigns and shall also submit the campaign plan and the budget thereof to the Election Management Committee in order to obtain approval.
When can I run my electoral campaign?
As of 04/09/2011
When should I end my electoral campaign?
On 21/09/2011
When can I remove my campaign advertisements?
During the week of announcing the final electoral results and you shall also commit to stop any campaign 48 hours before the elections.
Do I have the right to use the UAE logo in my campaign?
Candidates are banned from using the UAE’s official logo or symbols in any meeting, advertisement, electoral newsletter, or any booklet in the campaign. The official symbols represent Their Highnesses the Sheiks.
Do I have the right to cooperate with other candidates in the campaign? Are two candidates entitled to fund unified electoral lists for the FNC elections?
Candidates are neither allowed to fund a unified electoral list nor cooperate, directly or indirectly, in order to run electoral campaigns.
How does NEC monitor the campaigns expenditure?
NEC shall bind the candidates to disclose their funding sources and submit their campaign plan and the budget to the Election Management Committee for approval. NEC has also set a range of electoral regulations for the candidates to abide. Further, all candidates shall be bound by the laws and regulations regarding the electoral advertisements organized by the municipality or the competent authority in each emirate or city.
Am I entitled to request funding from governmental or semi-governmental establishments?
No.
Do I have the right to publish my advertisements in any location
No. The emirate’s election Committee shall determine the appropriate locations and places to post posters, boards, candidate’s photos, and that according to the local regulations determined in each emirate, provided that each candidate shall have equal opportunity.
Do I have the right to place electoral advertisements or posters on my car?
No candidate is allowed to post publications, advertisements or any kind of writing, graphics or pictures on cars or other vehicles.
Am I entitled to an electoral headquarters?
Yes. The candidate should obtain the official approval from the emirate’s election committee in his/her emirate to open electoral headquarters. Further, the candidate may reserve places to meet voters, give lectures and seminars throughout the whole campaign period, after obtaining the necessary license from his emirate’s election committee. Such gatherings and meeting may also be held in showrooms, halls and ceremony tents.
Emirates Election Committees
Who is responsible for the formation of each emirate’s election committee?
The NEC is responsible for the formation of each emirate’s election committee in coordination with the Rulers Courts.
What are the responsibilities of the emirate’s election committee?
Emirate’s election committee coordinate with the Election Management Committee regarding the technical and administrative tasks of the elections process in each emirate. They have the mandate to carry out the following executive tasks:
- Determine the centers of the emirate’s election committee and notify the Electoral College members of the final electoral lists.
- Provide the elections related application forms.
- Determine the electoral campaign locations.
- Suggest venues for polling centers in the emirate and determine the locations for the candidates to hold their meetings with the voters.
- Present the nomination applications and appeals in each emirate to the NEC.
- Monitor the regulations of the electoral campaign in each emirate.
Where are the emirates election committees located?
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dubai: Dubai World Trade Center; Sharjah: Cultural Palace; Ajman: General Secretariat of the new Executive Council; Ras Al Khaimah: Ministry of Cultural, Youth and Community Development; Fujairah: Al Fujairah Trade Center; Umm Al Quwain: Ministry of Cultural, Youth and Community Development.
Who are the members of each emirate’s committee?
Abu Dhabi Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| H.E. Jaber Mohamed Al Suwaidi |
Ruler's Court Representative |
Chairman |
| Mr. Rashed Ali Saeed Al Ghafli |
Ruler's Court Representative |
Member |
| Lieutenant Awad Mohamed Al Dhaheri |
Police Representative |
Member |
| H.E. Mohamed Saghir al Dhaheri |
Municipality Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Mohamed Hilal Al Muhairi |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Mazrouei |
Public Representative |
Member |
Dubai Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| H.E Ahmad Mohamed Bin Humaidan |
Ruler's Court Representative |
Chairman |
| Brigadier General Awad Hader Al Muhairi |
Police Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Obaid Salem Al Shamsi |
Municipality Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Hamad Mubarak Bou Omayem |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Obaid Saeed Bin Mis-har |
Public Representative |
Member |
Sharjah Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| Mr. Mansour Mohamed Ben Nassar |
Ruler's Court Representative |
Chairman |
| Mr. Salem Sulaiman Obaid Al Zaabi |
Police Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Riyad Abdullah Bin Ailan |
Municipality Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Obaid Salem Al Khayal |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Mrs. Salwa Mohamed Hadi |
Public Representative |
Member |
Ras Al Khaimah Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| Sheikh Abdullah Bin Humaid Al Qasimi |
Director of the Ruler's Court |
Chairman |
| H.E. Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi |
Head of the Municipality Department |
Member |
| H.E. Sultan Ali Abu Layla |
Public Representative |
Member |
| H.E. Hamad Hassan Erhama Al Shamsi |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Major Hamad Abdullah Mohamed Al Awadi |
General Directorate of Ras Al Khaimah Police |
Member |
Ajman Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| Mr. M. Saeed Saif Al Matroushi |
Ruler's Court Representative |
Chairman |
| Colonel Mubarak Khalafat Al Razi |
Police Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed Al Nuaimi |
Municipality and Planning Department |
Member |
| Mr. Nasser Ibrahim Al Dhafri |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Mrs. Khawla Ali Al Muhairi |
Public Representative |
Member |
Umm Al Quwain Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| Consultant Rashed Jumaa Humaid |
Ruler's Court |
Chairman |
| Lieutenant Colonel Khamis Salem Bou Haroun |
Police Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Salem Khalfan Sultan |
Municipality Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Sultan Humaid Abdullah |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Khalifa Saeed Ghanem |
Public Representative |
Member |
Fujairah Committee
| Name | Representing | Title |
| Brigadier General Mohamed Ahmed Ben Ghanem Al Kaabi |
Police Representative |
Chairman |
| Dr. Ibrahim Saad Mohamed |
Ruler's Court Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Abdullah Mohamed Al Hantoubi |
Municipality Representative |
Member |
| Mr. Mohamed Hassan Al Dhanhani |
Public Representative |
Member |
| Colonel Ali Saeed Al Hashimi |
Public Representative |
Member |
Voters
Who are the voters?
The voters are people whose names are listed in the electoral colleges. Voters shall nominate and vote for others in the FNC elections.
How many votes shall the voter have?
One vote only for each voter.
Does the voter have the right to vote for more than one candidate?
Yes. The voter shall have the right to elect more than one candidate in his/her emirate, provided that the number of candidates shall not exceed half the seats that the emirate has in the FNC, which is stated in the following table:
| Emirate | Numbers of the emirate's seats on FNC | Number of Candidates voter are entitle to elect |
| Abu Dhabi |
8 |
4 |
| Dubai |
8 |
4 |
| Sharjah |
6 |
3 |
| Ajman |
4 |
2 |
| Umm Al Quwain |
4 |
2 |
| Ras Al Khaimah |
6 |
3 |
| Fujairah |
4 |
2 |
Does the voter have the right to remain in the Poling Centre after voting?
No.
What are the necessary papers required to be allowed to vote?
Identity Card issued by EIDA.
Is the voter entitled to vote in more than one Polling Center?
No, the voter shall vote in only one Polling Center in the emirate thereof.
Polling Centers
What are Polling Centers?
Polling Centers are the places dedicated to Electoral Colleges Members to vote in the elections.
What are the opening and closing hours of the Polling Centers?
Polling Centers will remain open form 8am to 7pm on 24/09/2011. The election process may continue after 7pm in the event that some voters in the centre have not voted.
How many Polling Centers are available in each emirate?
The number of polling centers is still undetermined.
Where are the Polling Centers located?
The locations of the polling centers have not been determined yet.
Voting Process
What are the necessary identity papers required for voting?
Identity Card issued by EIDA.
How will the voting process be carried out?
The voting process shall be through electronic voting.
I do not know how to use a computer; how will I be able to vote?
You shall be trained to use the Electronic Voting System before the actual voting. In the event of you facing some difficulties in voting, the Poling Centre official and a member shall assist in completing the election process.
I do not know how to read or write (or I am blind/ or with special needs); how will I vote electronically?
The Poling Centre official and a member shall assist you in completing the election process.
Do I have the right to accompany somebody to the Polling Centers?
Yes you do, provided that your companion shall not cross the identity checking point.
Does the companion have the right to assist me in the voting process?
No, only the Poling Centre official is allowed to assist you in the voting process.
Do I have the right to monitor the voting process?
No, only the candidates and their agents are allowed to monitor the voting process.
What are the entitlements of the candidate during the voting process?
Candidates shall vote, monitor the voting process and count the votes.
Is the candidate entitled to vote for other candidates?
Yes.
How can I file a complaint?
You may send the complaint to the NEC by fax (024041155) or file a complaint on the NEC website in the complaints section.
Appeals
Does an Electoral College member have the right to appeal the nomination of any of the candidates?
Yes, provided that there are adequate reasons to do so. The member shall follow the determined procedures in this regard.
Where can a member file the appeal of the nomination of a candidate?
The member can file the appeal at the emirate’s election committee centre during the specified period – August 21 to August 23, 2011.
Is the candidate entitled to appeal the election results?
Yes.
Where can the nominee file the appeal of the election results?
At the emirates election committees centers.
How can the candidates appeal the election results?
The candidate can use the specified appeal form available at the emirate’s election committee centre and adhere to the following conditions:
- Application should be filed within 48 hours following the announcement of the primary results in the emirate.
- Appeal is limited to problems arising from only voting and counting reasons.
- Application shall be accompanied by an amount of AED 3000 as a guarantee to be deposited with the NEC. The said amount shall be returned to the applicant in the event of the appeal receiving a favorable verdict. If the appeal is rejected, the amount will not be refunded.
Which authority shall examine and settle the appeals?
NEC.