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Huge turnout for Sharjah Consultative Council elections

Sharjah - Voters arrived early morning even before the polls began at 8am, showing their enthusiasm in participating in decision-making process.

The first day of voting for Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) elections on Thursday saw a huge turnout across all nine polling stations. Citizens flocked to cast their votes for the candidates they believe will be perfect to convey their messages to the government.
Voters arrived early morning even before the polls began at 8am, showing their enthusiasm in participating in decision-making process.
Members of families, including parents, grandparents and children gathered to support their sons, relatives and friends competing in the elections. Mohammed Al Matroushi, 73, said: "Today is Sharjah's great historical moment, which reflects its democratic policies and efforts of involving its sons in the decision making. It's a great event. I brought all members of my family to participate in this great event for Sharjah."
Sharjah government entities and departments sent their employees in groups to vote on the first day. Large number of police personnel led by Sharjah Police Chief Saif Al Ziri arrived at the polling station in the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club to cast their votes.
Saif Al Ziri said that voting in the election is the national duty of the citizens of the emirate. The police officers are keen to be among the first voters.
Meanwhile, Tariq Al Naqbi, Director of Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), whose team of national employees also voted on Thursday said that this is a moment of great national pride for all Emiratis.
Mariam Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Social Affairs, also turned up to vote at the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club and was pleased with the enthusiastic response of Sharjah voters, terming it as a sign of the UAE's political experience.
Four candidates withdrew their candidature. However, no violation by the candidates or their supporters was reported.
Ahmed Al Jarwan, Head of the Election Management Committee, said there are no technical faults in the voting equipment.
Gargash visits poll station
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, visited the polling station at the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club as an observer.
Dr Shaikh Sultan announced that SCC will see half of its 42 members elected in the upcoming term while the rest of the members will be appointed by the Ruler.
Pointing out to the outstanding democratic experience of the UAE, Dr Gargash said it is a successful role model for the whole country.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com