45 electoral boards removed for illegal placement in RAK

Some 45 illegal electoral boards were removed by the RAK Municipality.

The RAK Municipality has removed over 45 electoral boards that failed to meet the set regulations of the Federal National Council electoral campaigns and tarnished the image of the city.
Munzir bin Shukr Al Zaabi, Chairman of the RAK Municipality, said staff inspectors have been instructed to stringently deal with all electoral violations and breaches.
"They have, therefore, removed some 45 boards of FNC hopefuls here for failing to observe the set rules and for being randomly installed."
Some of the removed boards were installed on public roads and residential areas in violation of the law, and without prior permission from the civic body, he added.
"The boards were installed in a way that tarnished the image of the emirate though all candidates were warned against the same before the campaigning began."
Elaborating, Al Zaabi said inspection raids were conducted all over the emirate to better control the FNC electoral campaigns, mainly those flouting rules.
"Some candidates have illegally installed wooden boards with their photos and electoral numbers on the roads and residential areas close to their houses while some others have improperly stuck their photos on lamp posts."
Such illegal practices shall never ever be tolerated, he underlined. "Candidates are free to promote themselves as they wish, but in coordination with the civic bodies concerned and with prior permission."
Al Zaabi said over 73 PR companies have been licensed in Ras Al Khaimah to install and fix electoral boards so that FNC candidates can easily contact them to do the job in a professional way upon the municipality permission.
"The RAK Municipality thoroughly studies all campaigning applications in terms of venue, size and numbers that requests for installing electoral boards at crowded areas are rejected."
Recently, the municipality permitted a candidate to fix his photo on the front side of a residential building opposite Etihad Bridge in the city. "The place was suitable for campaigning."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com