Giving gifts to voters or conducting campaigns that may be deceptive during UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) elections are prohibited, the National Election Committee (NEC) has  said.

The statement was announced during the awareness sessions for Electoral College members in preparation of the Federal National Council elections, held in Al Fujairah and Khorfakkan. Dr Mohammad Butti Thani Al Shamsi and Dr Sultan Abdul Hameed Al Jamal led the lectures.

The lecturers confirmed that the executive instructions forbid candidates from any illegal conduct or verbal abuse of the other candidates, whether directly or indirectly. The propaganda must not include words, letters or statements that may cause offense to other candidates.

The candidate must also take into account their required role as a member of the Federal National Council; their campaign must not include promises or programmes that operate outside their functions and powers as a member of the Federal National Council.

Saeed Al Ghafli, assistant undersecretary in the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and NEC member, said: "The formation of the executive instructions is to ensure that the implementation of the electoral process is in line with the programme to promote political participation. The Federal National Council becomes a council for the nation and protects the interests of the country".

"The National Election Committee will monitor all electoral campaigns and will not hesitate to take all the necessary means to ensure implementation of the electoral process to meet the aspirations of the people of the UAE and its leadership. NEC seeks to establish the principle of fairness and transparency in UAE’s initial electoral experience. We must address every aspect to ensure the establishment of a distinguished electoral model for future generations," added Al Ghafli.

The awareness sessions cover the various aspects of the electoral process including the general principles and legal framework of the elections, the rights and duties of the voters, and the programme to promote political participation. "NEC seeks to implement the elections in line with the development witnessed by the UAE, and ensures fair competition for all candidates," noted Al Ghafli.

The executive instructions state that during the campaign, the candidate is committed to maintaining the principles of the community, adhering to general rules and regulations, and respecting public order. Their campaign must not include religious, tribal, or ethnic intolerance towards others.

The candidates will have the opportunity to display their election programmes in the local audio-visual and print media, and conduct seminars and press conferences, according to the rules set by the instructions, and also the guidelines established by NEC. -  TradeArabia News service