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Sharjah announces municipal elections

Sharjah - Dates for the elections have not been set.

Sharjah will soon hold landmark elections to all municipal and district councils in the emirate. 
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, made the announcement during the inaugural session of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) on Thursday.
However, dates for the elections have not been set.
Dr Sheikh Sultan said through these elections people would be directly responsible for the development of the emirate. 
There are currently nine municipal councils for Sharjah City, Khor Fakkan, Bataeh, Al Hamriyah, Maliha, Dibba Al Hosn, Al Madam, Al Dhaid and Kalba.
"There are no plans to increase municipal councils but district councils could be increased to 32 under the new system," said Khawla Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council.
Officials lauded the move and said elected candidates in councils would bring more transparency to the functioning of these bodies. 
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, Director of Al Hamriyah Municipality, said it was a progressive decision that would further empower citizens in Sharjah. "People will be involved in the decision-making process. This will enable the government achieve its larger goals in the public interest." 
Abdullah Matar Al Ketbi, member of the current Sharjah Consultative Council, said Dr Sheikh Sultan's decision would encourage people to get involved in governance and make a difference to the emirate and the nation. 
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com