The National Election Committee in collaboration with Higher Colleges of Technology has launched a training and qualifying programme for polling station teams as part of NECs efforts to enhance human competencies in the implementation of the electoral process. The programme is the first of its kind to offer a qualifying certificate to specialised staff in polling stations.

The programme was announced by the NEC during a joint press conference organised with the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi Men's College on Monday (June 1, 2015), participated by His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the Election Management Committee, and His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, Director of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

On the occasion, HE Tariq Lootah emphasised that the Federal National Council Elections 2015 marks a step forward in the implementation of the empowerment programme launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote political participation, and make the Federal National Council a supportive element in the executive power in the country.

HE Tariq Lootah pointed out that the training programme for polling station teams will promote political awareness, raise awareness on the empowerment programme and the role of the Federal National Council in the promotion of political participation.

HE Lootah said: Through this training programme, we are aiming to enhance the capabilities of staff at the polling stations by providing them with practical experience in the management of one of the most important national events. This project will contribute to the success of the electoral process and help create a culture of political participation. The training under this programme will cover all aspects of the electoral process to ensure the staff are equipped with high degree of professionalism in successful management of the electoral process.

HE Lootah said the NEC is committed to build strategic partnerships with public and private entities to broaden the national efforts and citizen service to achieve complete implementation of this national mission.

HE Dr. Abdullaif Al Shamsi, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, praised the UAE leadership for encouraging citizen participation in the electoral process, and said: The HCT, which is the largest higher educational institution in the UAE, has embraced the vision of the UAE leadership in order to contribute to the UAEs sustainable development. We are keen to encourage educational practices that will help carry out the electoral process with the highest degree of professionalism.

HE Al Shamsi said the training programme will equip citizens with the ability to provide added value to the knowledge economy. It will also offer for the first time a certificate on polling station management from the Higher Colleges of Technology.

HE Al Shamsi explained that in order to be eligible for the certificate, the applicants must be UAE citizens and complete the training course successfully. They must be above 21 years of age, and show commitment to working with the election centre teams across the UAE.

Candidates can register for the training programme by visiting the website www.uaenec.ae or registering at one of the HCT Colleges.

The NEC and the Higher Colleges of Technology are working through this programme to provide human resources, and technical skills and support on the electronic voting system to ensure the polling stations are fully ready to meet any challenges during the election day on the 3rd of October this year.