Registrations for the fourth cycle of Federal National Council elections are started in the capital on Sunday, August 18, with confident contestants running into the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce to register for the upcoming elections. Contestant of FNC and a mother of eight share her inspiring story.
Women, who are estimated to represent half of the 40-member FNC for the first time, are particularly notable as they stepped out after submitting the required documents.
Realizing that women will represent half of this elected body is so empowering, Safeya Al Kaabi, 40, a logistics officer and mother of eight loved to be a part of it, encouraging development in the fields of education and employment.
“I wanted people to know and be inspired by MY story,” Safeya said.
“I was careless about my education and got married at 16 and only joined night school because I had no other activity, but then I eventually discovered my inner resolve. Now, I have a Master’s degree in business management information. So I want to urge women to motivate themselves, and play a role in the development of the nation,” she said.
Another woman Maha Al Balooshi, 38, was just as delighted at being able to serve her country.
“I have been studying law for nine years, and I guess I could bring people’s interests to the fore,” she said.
Mohammad Al Ketbi, 41, an engineer and businessman said, “I participated in 2015, so my kids were familiar with the whole process. But they showed out to me that the motto of this election period has both a boy and a girl. So they insisted me to compete, and win to be part of such a symbolic FNC.”
The FNC has an essential part in the future administration of the country, particularly in fulfilling the needs of the people. FNC representatives will be the voice of the people living in remote regions and small villages, just as they represent the people of the big cities.
Registrations extended up to August 22, and the conclusive list of nominees for the October 2019 election will be declared on September 3.