Abu Dhabi, 16 March 2019: The National Election Committee held its second meeting, chaired by H.E. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs, to discuss preparations for the upcoming FNC elections.

The Committee began by approving the minutes of its first meeting, before reviewing a study on developing smart systems for the elections, prepared by the Smart Systems Sub-Committee of the National Election Committee, and discussing methods to develop electoral processes to keep up with developments, in line with the directives of the UAEs wise leadership to embrace advanced technologies and enable access to smart services. Attendees reviewed the executive regulations for FNC elections, as well as media perceptions and ways to enhance visual identity to ensure effective communication with the community.

The UAE is gearing up for a new phase of achievements to be added to the success of the previous three electoral cycles, said H.E. Al Owais. This embodies the objectives of the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where the values of Shura and political participation are firmly established as a means to empower the people of the UAE to play an effective role in the national development process.

The Minister of State for FNC Affairs concluded: We are dedicated to consistently meeting the UAEs aspirations and drive towards innovation, and providing quality, high-tech services that help develop electoral processes, increase public awareness, and ensure wider participation. In our meeting, we reviewed a study to develop smart systems that adhere to international best practice and ensure electoral transparency and efficiency.