Dubai, February 7 2015: His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Elections Committee, during the first meeting with members of the Emirates Committees, stressed the success of electoral process is a shared responsibility that offers the opportunity for everyone to contribute to the promotion of parliamentary life in the United Arab Emirates.

H.E.Dr. Gargash also commended the Emirates Committees for their pivotal role in the electoral scene in the UAE, especially in the intensive preparations for the conduct of the Federal National Council Elections 2015.

"As we embark on a new electoral process, we are keen to be successful in this effort as we were in the last elections, considering it a crucial step in strengthening the march of the UAE towards growth and development. The preparation for the elections reflects the aspirations of our leadership in building a politically conscious society and contributing to the objectives of the political empowerment programme of the UAE, H.E. Dr. Gargash said.

H.E. Dr. Gargash added: The Emirates Committees have a pivotal role in ensuring communication with the electoral bodies in all the emirates. The committees support the National Election Committee (NEC) and help implement the optimal targets for the 2015 electoral process.

The meeting, which was attended by H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and member of the National Elections Committee, and His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for Federal National Council Affairs and members of the Emirates Committees, discussed the next phase of the preparation for the 2015 elections.It also looked at the main tasks beforethe Emirates Committees, particularly with regard to ensuring optimal application of operational instructions governing the electoral process.

The committee members were also briefed on all the plans and arrangements made by the NEC on the technical and administrative issues related to the electoral process.

The Emirates Committees handles coordination with the NEC for technical and administrative matters relating to the conduct of elections in each emirate. They also coordinate the communication processon the management of elections, monitor the implementation of the campaign, and report observations on any violations to the NEC.

The NEC sub-committeesincludethe Emirates Committees, the Election Commission Management, Media Committee, and Security Committee.