Victory sealed for all FNC election winners

All 20 winners of the Federal National Council (FNC) polls were guaranteed seats in the parliament as the final list of elected FNC members was approved on Sunday. 
The National Election Committee (NEC) approved the list after looking into six appeals filed against candidates, including one from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman, according to an official at Sharjah NEC.
All of these were rejected due to a lack of strong evidence that would invalidate the preliminary results. 
To complete the 40 seats for the next legislative cycle of the FNC, 20 members will be appointed by the Rulers of all emirates. 
As the election cycle comes to a close, the committee hailed the unwavering support of the UAE leadership. 
"Today, we celebrate another milestone in the UAE's political development journey. Our parliamentary system is maturing with every election towards empowering all citizens to choose their candidates," said Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of FNC Affairs and Chairman of the NEC.
Winners ecstatic
The five new FNC members from Sharjah and Fujairah have thanked the UAE leadership for the opportunity and the people who voted for them.
Humaid Ali Al Abbar Al Shamsi, a winner from Sharjah, said he is very happy to have a guaranteed seat in the FNC, following the review of appeals.
He also pledged to deliver on "all the promises he has made with
his electoral agenda, including those for citizen affairs and people of determination".
Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi thanked the people of Sharjah, while another winner, Obaid Al Ghoul, was delighted to receive the good news for the second time.
Sabreen Hasan Al Yamahi, a newly elected FNC member in Fujairah, said she is proud to officially be known as the first woman to win the election in the emirate.
"I believe women voted for me as they believe I can play great role in parliamentary work and in decision-making," she said.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
(With inputs from Wam)

Afkar Ali Ahmed

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com