Historic Polls Shows Democracy Can Flourish in Arab World

A TREMENDOUS upsurge of
euphoria and excitement was witnessed in both the UAE capital Abu Dhabi
and in Fujairah yesterday, as also the rest of the country, as the
names of the first winners in the country’s first Federal National
Council elections were flashed last night.

Of
the four winners in Abu Dhabi, Amal Abdullah Juma Karam Al Qubaisi (265
votes), secured the distinction of being the first woman to be elected
to the FNC. The other three winners included Mohammed Mohammed Ali
Fadhil Al Hameli (304 votes), Ahmed Shabib Mohammed Al Dhaheri (302
votes) and Rashid Musabah Al Knidi Al Marrar (194 votes).

In
Fujairah, by an interesting quirk of fate both winners, Sultan Ahmed
Danakhani (122 votes) and Ahmed Saeed Al Danakhani (94 votes), belong
to the same family. However, the lone woman candidate in the fray, Moza
Khamis Ali Al Suwaidi, could secure only five votes. Earlier in the day
yesterday, the mood and the enthusiasm quite matched the moment. And as
voters of the select Electoral College cast the initial votes, they
were well aware of the historical significance of UAE’s first
parliamentary polls. Half the members of the 40-member FNC are being
elected directly in these polls through the select Electoral College.
The remaining would be appointed by the rulers of the seven emirates.

Enhancing
the credibility and integrity of the FNC polls was the fact that till
late last night, there were no complaints by any of the candidates
regarding the conduct of the polls.

But
as the former first deputy speaker of the FNC, Ahmed Shabeeb Al
Dhaheri, pointed out perceptively: The true test of democracy is yet to
come. It will come, he added, when those who have been elected now have
to honour the promises and pledges.