The National Election Committee has set out its criteria for potential Federal National Council members as the application deadline draws near
The countdown is on for the UAE's biggest ever elections - and organisers of the Federal National Council vote are calling for 'knowledgeable and literary' residents to put themselves forward.

The National Election Committee has set out a list criteria for council candidates, with a need for people of 'sound reputation' high on the agenda.

Hopefuls should be at least 25, be a UAE citizen and a permanent resident of the emirate they are aiming to represent.

The committee stated that would-be FNC members who have convicted of crimes, must have undergone rehabilitation in order to apply for the role.

More than 330,000 Emiratis are eligible to vote for the semi-elected Federal National Council, with the election being held on October 5.

Candidate registration centres across the UAE will receive applications of candidates for FNC membership from August 18 to August 22.

The committee said in a statement that those seeking to contest the FNC elections must comply with its constitutional.

"They should not be less than twenty-five years of age (born on or before 4th October 1994)," The NEC stated.

They must be a "knowledgeable and literary person of sound reputation capable of discharging his or her civic responsibilities".

“The candidate should not have been convicted of any offences linked with their behaviour, unless they have undergone rehabilitation for such behaviour in accordance with the law," the committee stated.

Candidates may submit their applications in person or via an agent vested with a power of attorney to act on his or her behalf.

Candidates wishing to take part in the elections while holding a public office, whether federal or local, or employed with the UAE Armed Forces or allied military services, must submit a certificate stating that they have been granted leave from the date of the candidates' final list announcement on September 3 until election day on October 5.

Members of the judiciary can participate in the elections, but must resign from their post in order to apply.

Residents can submit their candidacy on the NEC's website, http://www.uaenec.ae

The final list of potential candidates for the FNC will be announced on September 3. Candidates can begin their campaigns from September 8 and any withdrawals must be submitted by September 15.

This year, for the first time, the NEC have removed the 48-hour period of “election silence” prior to the main election day. This two-day silence previously prevented candidates from campaigning just before election day.

The FNC is comprised of 20 elected members and 20 members appointed by the country's Rulers. The President, Sheikh Khalifa, formally approved plans to ensure 50 per cent of the chamber was female in an announcement last year.

The final elected council members will be revealed on October 13, unless any objections or appeals lead to supplementary elections.