There is speculation that the UAE is preparing for a new domestic initiative — public participation in politics.
While the first step is expected to be municipal elections, it may be followed by a move of a kind to elect members of the Federal National Council (FNC).
This will be totally new for the UAE, as it is for many other nations. So, it will be useful to accept the help of specialized organizations to formulate regulations, procedures and working mechanisms for such elections. Yemen and Bahrain, for example, asked the National Institution of Democracy in Washington for help. Likewise, the experiences of other Arab countries might be helpful.
There is no doubt such an initiative by the federal government will be welcomed by the nation. The UAE leadership has been working for many years to prepare the country for such a transformation through education, supporting civil society organizations such as NGOs and opening executive decision-making positions to the young and highly educated generation.
The initiative would crown years of creative and relentless work that has led to extraordinary social development and economic boom in the country. Having established the most advanced infrastructure in the Middle East, the UAE is one of the strongest economies in the Arab world.
Still, its potential is even brighter and stronger. This is especially true when we consider the younger political leadership of the UAE is open to the outside world.
This openness demands a quicker response to emerging challenges. Moreover, it requires the country to begin a gradual and calculated transformation that will put in place a seamless integration of the development’s social, economic and political components.
Faced with the prospect of municipal elections, it makes sense for us to look into the pros and cons of other experiences in the region, such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We are well placed to learn from their experience and to build on rather than copy what they have done.
The first thing that comes to mind is the necessity to include women in the electoral process. While getting accustomed to aspects of democratic life, the process of elections itself can cultivate in the citizen — man or woman — a sense of responsibility toward the nation. A sense of duty will be instilled in people.
Integrity and a level playing field are also pressing concerns. Some irregularities, such as public banquets in tents and vote purchasing, are not in line with equality. While public consciousness of the importance of the vote can curtail these phenomena, there might be a lack of awareness in the early stages of the endeavor. Hence, legislators should have direct measures to prevent any irregular practices.
Since we talk about a municipal election as the first step, it is worth noting that these polls bring elected members into the public services sector. They will have a say in operating and developing the services provided to their constituencies.
However, polls alone will not guarantee that qualified people become members of the municipal councils. Roads, housing, sanitary facilities, transportation, marketplaces and parks are services provided by municipalities. To guarantee that there are qualified members in these positions, one of two things can be done. The first is for the government to reserve a number of seats outside the electoral contest to be filled later by appointed members. This can create the necessary balance between elected and specialized members in a way that strengthens the new councils without any added liability.
The second is to stipulate the qualifications, which candidates must have to be allowed to stand.
Considering the complexity of the second option, I believe the first one will prevail. I also prefer the first option.
What I am saying now may, however, prove to be premature. It may be better to wait for the political initiative to materialize and then consider all aspects. It will be useful, though, to have a dialogue between the political leadership and intellectuals. This will develop a kind of mutual perception and prepare a common and hospitable ground for such an advanced initiative.
— Abdul Hamid Ahmad is editor in chief of Dubai-based Gulf News.
