FNC voters and potential candidates to be announced



The names of Emiratis eligible to vote in the forthcoming Federal National Council elections and stand for election to the advisory body will be announced tomorrow.

Dr Anwar Gargash, the minister of state for Federal National Council Affairs, said the number of people eligible to stand is expected to exceed 80,000. They will be chosen by rulers of the seven emirates.

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The list is to be published online at www.uaenec.ae, according to Tariq Lootah, the undersecretary of FNC affairs. Emiratis can also call the call centre on 600566661 tomorrow to find out if their names are listed.

Those wishing to stand as candidates at the next election can apply between August 14 and 17 in their emirate.

A preliminary list of candidates will be announced on August 20.

Objections to the list will be received between August 21 and 23. The National Election Committee (NEC) will then respond to objections and announce the final list of candidates on August 28.

At the most recent election in 2006, of 6,595 Emiratis on the electoral roll, 452, including 63, women became candidates.

One woman and 19 men were elected. Twenty others - 8 women and 12 men - were appointed to make up the 40 members of the FNC.

The number of election candidates is expected to increase this year as the number of people on the electoral roll has increased by 1,213 per cent.

To be a candidate, Emiratis must be over 25 years of age and have a certificate of good conduct. The candidate also must be a permanent resident of the Emirate they wish to represent, be literate, and physically fit.

Election day will be on Saturday, September 24.

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Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

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How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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