The promised election of the Municipal Council that was recently formed in the emirate of Sharjah was described as a wise gesture that has intrinsically expressed the opinion and catered to the wishes and ambitions of the general public. Shamsa Hilal Al Zaabi, member of the Sharjah Consultative Council, said that good is expected to be harvested by both the leaders and the public.
“The move, taken by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, increases the trust of the public in him. It as well reflects the Ruler’s trust in the capability of the general public in administering their affairs by themselves.” She added: “Establishing trust and confidence on both the sides leads to better maintainance of the general welfare, which is the most important factor for the stability and development of any community. Even if the general public had not openly called for election of councils earlier, they always wished for that to happen. With his deep wisdom and vision, Dr Shaikh Sultan has sensed the needs and demands of the masses.”
Brigadier Saeed Juma Al Qasimi, Former Director of the Al Ain Civil Defence Department, said that the decision to have municipal councils is a good step, whereas having them via elections in the future reflects the Ruler’s vision and wisdom. “The courageous move of the Ruler of Sharjah sensed the pulse of the emirate, and being a Member of the Supreme Council, his opinion in this regard will be passed on to the rulers of other emirates,” he noted. The Ruler’s promise of elections for not only these councils, but all other councils as well, in the emirate of Sharjah, will help enhance communications between the government and the general public, and accordingly all demands will be met and all problems solved.
However, elections should be subject to correct management to guarantee that the nominees are just those who are capable of bearing responsibility and are dedicated to monitoring public demands and finding necessary solutions, stressed Brig Al Qasimi, adding: “Not anyone should be eligible for nomination. Those who may seek personal benefits or a position via their membership in the municipal councils should be excluded from any nomination list. Only those who are recognised for their straightforwardness, loyalty to the country and the people, dedication, honesty, unselfishness and education should be given the opportunity to become members of these councils. “People willing to nominate themselves should be subject to a thorough scrutinising. Dr Shaikh Sultan will, no doubt, ensure the election of the right nominees.”
Each nominee should have a clear and specific manifesto based on his knowledge, with the affairs of the zone they are representing, proposed Brig Al Qasimi. Forming a special committee to closely control the performance of the different municipal councils is a necessity that will ensure best performance and meeting the public’s demands, he added.
Meanwhile, the National Consultative Council (NCC) members have argued that the political and demographic structure of the UAE society doe not encourage having a parliamentary election. The house members appointed by the government as per the NCC Law No. 2 of 1971 said that they believe election does serve other goals than the ones the council is committed to establish for the best interests of the UAE people.
NCC Member, Gaith bin Hamil Al Gaith said: “Election is one of the basic rights of people. However, I believe that the social and political structure of the countries play a greater role in determining the vitality of election at the parliamentary level. Elections, I believe, better suits societies characterised by different factions and religions, and those that lack national unity. In the UAE, thanks to late President Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his visionary leadership, national solidarity and consultation are the basic elements of society. The UAE society is privileged with a cohesive democracy and a government that considers the welfare and luxury its citizens to be its most important target. Election would not be of great importance as there are no different political factions or sectarianism in the UAE. We are a growing country with a government that caters most for the rights and interests of the people.
The demographic structure of our society also does not encourage development of elected parliaments. The NCC does not represent any sector. It is the linking circle between the people and the government. It is a body responsible for addressing, analysing and sorting out the problems that might face the citizens.”
Hadir Mubarak Al Muhairi, another NCC member, believes that the appointment process for members should be as it was set by Shaikh Zayed under Law No. 2 of 1971, especially in light of the demographic structure of the country: “The law of the house has clearly stipulated the appointment procedures that focus on the social status of the appointed members. Nowadays, original UAE nationals are estimated at approximately 10 per cent or even less. The existing tribes that genuinely belong to the UAE are very few. We should not forget that the ancestors of the appointed members have done a lot in serving the country, and their offspring should take over. I believe this was the wise decision taken by Shaikh Zayed that I believe should continue.”
Mohammed Rashid Al Nasiri, another NCC member says: “What counts is the achievements parliamentary bodies score over the course of time. An elected or appointed member does not make any difference as far as the benefits of the people of the country are considered. The demographic imbalance the country is facing makes it very difficult to go for election at the parliamentary level. I believe what is more essential is the efficiency of the house in tackling the problems people face in different fields. Transparency in addressing and analysing important issues that serve the people, I believe, are much more crucial than the mechanism followed in choosing members of parliament.”
According to Article 3 of the NCC Law No. 2 of 1971, the president of the country selects the members of the house and accepts their resignation as per an Amiri decree. Members have a two-year renewable membership.
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