Campaigning for FNC elections begins in UAE

The main election will take place on October 5.

Campaigning by Emirati candidates vying for the Federal National Council (FNC) seats kicked off on Sunday.

The National Election Committee (NEC) had announced that candidates will launch their election campaigns on September 8 and the deadline for candidate withdrawal is September 15.

Some 495 Emiratis are competing for 20 seats for the FNC, with the remaining 20 places on the legislative council appointed by ruling sheikhs from the emirates. A total of 133 candidates are from Abu Dhabi, 88 from Dubai, 114 from Sharjah, 61 from Ras Al Khaimah, 26 from Ajman, 20 from Umm Al Quwain, and 53 from Fujairah. Women make up 36.36 per cent of the final candidate list, totaling 180.

Over 337,738 Emiratis will vote during the polls, marking a 50.58 per cent increase from 224,281 electoral college members in 2015.

The main election will take place on October 5 and the results of the preliminary count will be announced the same day.