EU hails SCC elections

European Union (EU) has hailed the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) elections, which concluded on Sunday terming it as "a historic and groundbreaking step towards democratic participation and empowerment of people".
An EU delegation led by Jean-Bernard Bolvin, Deputy Head of Mission to the UAE, visited the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, the main polling centre in Sharjah City,  on Sunday  to observe the electoral process.
Speaking to reporter, Bolvin said he was impressed and pleasantly surprised by the steps taken by Sharjah to ensure a transparent, smooth and simple electoral process. He lauded Sharjah's leadership and people for making the first-ever election a success.  Bolvin praised the elaborate arrangements made by the Election Committee, including the registration of voters weeks ahead, to ensure the fairness and simplicity of the vote, which registered 54 per cent turnout by the end of third day of the poll. The polling percentage was also impressive for the first-ever election in the Emirate, he added.  
The EU official praised His Highness Shaikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for taking the bold step to conduct direct elections to half the seats of the Sharjah Council, saying this would ensure democratic participation and empowerment of people.
He also expressed his confidence that the election of new members to the Council would bring fresh ideas and views, enhancing greater popular participation.  This is a great opportunity for the Emirate's citizens, the majority of whom are young, and they should seize it, said Bolvin, expressing his best wishes for the people of Sharjah and the UAE.           
Mansour bin Nassar, Chairman of Supreme Committee of SCC Elections, and other senior officials received the EU officials and briefed them on the various arrangements made by the Election Committee to ensure the maximum participation of all eligible voters in Sharjah and towards a free and fair poll.  Accompanied by the Election Committee officials, the EU officials also visited other polling centres in the Emirate and Al Qasimia University, where the counting of votes is to take place Sunday night  at 8pm.  
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com           

• Sharjah