This time, the FNC elections have an expanded electoral college constituting 129,274 members, made up of 46 percent females and 54 percent males, of which 35 percent are less than 30 years old.

Anwar Mohammed Gargash, minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee (NEC), said that UAE women have a better opportunity to win in the FNC elections this year since they represent 46 percent of the voters in the Electoral College.

“Over the years, Emirati women have shown exceptional efficiency in various positions and are now being invited to make the most of their significant presence in the Electoral College by actively participating in the elections to choose the most capable candidates to be part of the Federal National Council,” Gargash said at a lecture at the General Women’s Union in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

“The UAE has always been keen to empower women who represent 59 percent of the total workforce in the government. In the previous FNC, 22.5 percent of the members were women and there are now four women ministers in the federal government. According to a study issued by the United Nations, the UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa region in women empowerment,” he said.

117 candidates from Abu Dhabi, including 22 women, are running in the election. Dubai has 124 candidates including 26 women. Sharjah has 94 candidates of which 16 are women. Ras Al-Khaimah has 16 women candidates and 44 male candidates. Ajman has five women candidates from a total of 34. Umm Al Quwain has 19 candidates, of which 4 are women and Fujairah has three women candidates and 18 male candidates.

Interestingly, many candidates are using social networks for their campaign. Buti Khalifa Al-Shamsi, candidate from Al Ain with a candidacy number 777 is using Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube as a campaign tool.

Otaiba Khalaf from Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Abdul Malik Ahli from Dubai and Habiba Al-Shamsi from Abu Dhabi have been utilizing the social networks to reach the public in different ways.

Aisha Al-Shamsi, a candidate from Ras Al-Khaimah, launched her election program with a slogan “Not just for four years.”

“I will continue serving my country selflessly in the appreciation for the country that emerged as an oasis of peace by providing high quality of life to its citizens and residents, promises Al-Shamsi.

Al-Shamsi said that if she wins, she will work on developing the whole UAE in general and Northern Emirates in particular, and focus on developing infrastructure that include utilities and roads and to advance the quality of life of its citizens on the socio-economic perspective.