The first-ever historic elections to the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) started today (January 28) with citizens turning up in droves with great enthusiasm to cast their votes at the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club polling centre in the emirate and at dedicated polling centres. 

 

Huge crowds were seen at the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club and other polling centres across nine Electoral College constituencies in the emirate from the morning on the day one of the four-day long first-of-its-kind electoral exercise, said a statement.

 

The citizens in Sharjah have the opportunity to elect representatives of their choice for half of the 42-member Council, making themselves part of the decision-making process and governance in the emirate, it said.

 

A total of 195 candidates, including 43 women, are competing for seats spread across Kalba, Khorfakkan, Dhaid, Dibba Al Hisn, Bataeh, Maliha, Hamriya, and Madam in an election that is being held under the slogan of ‘Take Part in Decision Making.’

 

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and chairman of the National Election Committee, emphasised that the democratic experience is part of the vision of the President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, unveiled through the Tamkeen programme to empower the people and involve them in the decision-making process.

 

Dr Gargash praised Sharjah and the Election Committee for the smooth conduct of the first SCC elections and the organised popular participation in the entire exercise. 

 

The elections to the highest advisory and decision-making body in the emirate are being seen as a historic first and a celebration of democracy. 

 

The decision to hold the elections came after the Ruler of Sharjah announced that the SCC would have half of its 42 members directly elected for the upcoming term, while the rest of the members will be appointed by the Ruler.

 

The voters are entitled to choose from candidates in the electoral zone they belong to.

 

Meanwhile, the counting process will be telecast live on various television channels and media outlets of Sharjah Media Corporation. 

 

The live transmission will continue throughout the night until the end of the counting and declaration of results. - TradeArabia News Service