الشارقة 24 – وام:
In a significant development for the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, acknowledged the vital role of council membership. He emphasised that serving on the council is not merely a representative task for the member’s emirate but is a national responsibility to represent the interests and aspirations of the entire UAE populace. This statement comes in light of a recent federal decree appointing a new elected member to replace an outgoing representative from Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Owais expressed profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, for his unwavering support of the parliamentary life in the country. He highlighted the Sheikh’s commitment to empowering the Federal National Council, enabling it to serve effectively as a supportive, guiding authority for the government. Al Owais noted that this approach aims to make the council more robust and responsive to national issues and the concerns of citizens, thereby solidifying the principles of genuine participation and proper consultation.
In accordance with the election guidelines, Al Owais explained the procedure for filling vacant council seats. If a council member’s seat becomes vacant at least three months before the council’s term ends, it will be filled by the candidate with the highest votes in the emirate’s reserve list. Notably, the replacement will be gender-specific; if the vacating member was male, the new member will also be male from the reserve list, and similarly for female members. Furthermore, the council membership is finalised through a federal decree that officially appoints the substitute, enabling them to complete the remaining term.
The Minister extended warm congratulations to Abdul Salam Abdullah Al Shuhi, who has been appointed as the new elected member representing Ras Al Khaimah, succeeding the late Saeed Rashid Al Abidi. Al Owais commemorated the contributions and dedication of Al Abidi, stating, “We remember with appreciation and loyalty his efforts in serving our beloved nation and in advancing the interests of its citizens.” He prayed for mercy for the deceased and success for the newly appointed member in fulfilling his council responsibilities.