DUBAI, 24 February 2005 — Reformists are calling for an elected Parliament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an unprecedented public demand for a greater say in the government.

Although there is no political dissent or extremist violence in the UAE, it is now the only state without elected bodies in the Gulf region after Saudi Arabia held municipal elections earlier this month.

“It has become embarrassing for the UAE to lag behind others politically in the region. It is high time for us to have a fully elected house — enough of an appointed council without legislative powers,” Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, a professor at UAE University told Gulf News daily in remarks published yesterday.

“With elections being held in Saudi Arabia, the UAE will be the only country in the region that does not have elections,” added Saeed Hareb, another university professor.

“It is strange that Iraqis were registering and voting in the UAE for their country’s election and yet UAE citizens do not have the right to vote,” Gulf News quoted him as saying.

They were referring to the consultative Federal National Council (FNC) whose 40 members are currently appointed by the seven semi-autonomous emirates that make up the UAE federation, presided by Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahayan.

The highest federal authority in the UAE is the Supreme Council, comprising the rulers of the seven emirates. The country, which enjoys political, security and economic stability, has a population of 4 million, mostly foreigners.

Late President Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al-Nahayan, who died last year, said in 1998 he was willing to consider elections for the National Council but defended the system of government without elaborating.

Habib Al-Mulla, a member of the FNC, told Gulf News the council should have the power to propose laws and discuss public issues without permission from the Cabinet.

“The FNC is not powerful enough to reform itself. All reform attempts from within the house failed,” Abdullah said.

Emirates such as Dubai and Sharjah have hinted that they may hold municipal elections but no timetable has been set. A UAE official said each emirate can hold local elections under the constitution.

Washington has embarked on a campaign to press for democracy and reform among its allies in the Middle East after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. It blamed religious fanaticism, lack of freedom and reform for fostering militant ideology.

No political parties are allowed in the six Gulf states but Oman and Qatar have started slowly to democratize and Bahrain and Kuwait now hold parliamentary elections.

Saudi Arabia held the first round of nationwide municipal polls this month.