Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (CDS)

Abu Dhabi, Jun 24: The Presidential Resolution No (1) of 2019 dedicated towards raising women’s representation to 50 per cent in the Federal National Council (FNC) has been issued by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with effect from the approaching legislative cycle.

The resolution modifies specific provisions of the Federal Supreme Council Resolution No (4) of 2006 which concerns how the Emirates’ representatives are elected in the Federal National Council and its amendments. The fourth cycle of FNC elections is scheduled to take place in October.

There are three main articles in the Presidential Resolution. Article one states that the total representatives of each Emirate in the FNC should have no less than 50 per cent of women representatives. To ensure the stipulated number of women representatives, the following rules are outlined in the resolution:

1) When electing the Emirates’ representatives in FNC, the allocated number of seats for women may be determined by the ruler of each Emirate.
2) The number of seats allocated for women should not exceed half of the emirates’ total number of elected representatives.
3) Before opening the candidature, the ruler’s office of each Emirate will declare the number of seats allocated for women.
4) The female candidates that secure the highest number of votes in each Emirate shall win the assigned seats.
5) Women can be appointed by the ruler of the Emirate to fill the remaining seats allocated for female candidates to complete the necessary 50 per cent.

According to Article 2 of the resolution, the National Election Committee (NEC) is required to include a representative of the National Media Council. Simultaneously, to ensure the integrity of the election process and its results, Article 3 demands that all necessary regulations to implement the provisions of this resolution shall be issued by the NEC.

The Presidential Resolution marks a momentous milestone on the UAE’s political development journey. It also adds as a significant step within the Political Empowerment Programme that was announced in 2005 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The programme looks to gradually boost citizen engagement in public life, help the Council connect with people’s concerns and issues, enhance the role of the FNC as a support entity of the executive branch and promote the principles of proactive participation and shura (consultation).

The parliamentary experience of the UAE inspires other modern parliaments around the world, especially with matters such as political empowerment of women.

FNC is well known for the defining role it plays in empowering Emirati women. Women’s representation in the Council exceeded 22 per cent during the FNC’s 14th legislative term (2006 – 2011). This term had the highest women’s representation in the Arab parliaments at the time. The 16th legislative term (2015 – 2019) marked history as a woman assumed the presidency of the parliament for the first time in the Arab world.