As the doors opened for Emirati candidates to sign up for the Federal National Council’s elections on Sunday, women seemed to outnumber their male counterparts at an Abu Dhabi centre.
By 9.45am, eight women and five men were the first enthusiastic members to show up at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry — where candidates from Abu Dhabi city can register their nominations this week.
A number of women said the directive by President Sheikh Khalifa, that women should occupy 50 per cent of the council’s seat in the upcoming term, pushed them to show up on Sunday morning — whether they stand a chance to win or not.
Buthaina Al Qubaisi, 40, was the first candidate and woman to step out of the registration room.
“I was keen on registering early to encourage other women and give them enough time until the end of the week to sign up,” said the environmental activist and history writer.
“This is my second time to run, but in 2015 I was among the last ladies to nominate themselves.”
“I want all women who have the opportunity to register to do so, whether we win or not, it is important to take part in the experience.” She said the registration process was easy and smooth, especially now that she has more experience of the electoral process.
Ameena Al Mazrui, who also visited the Abu Dhabi centre on Sunday to register, called for women candidates to “step out of their bubble and present themselves in front of everybody — men and women, not just focus on women organisations and gatherings.”
Ms Al Mazrui, 36, said she got the idea to nominate herself after she heard that 50 per cent of the council’s seats would be given to women.
“Previously women thought twice before running for elections,” said Ms Al Mazrui.
“It is a big challenge for Emirati women to nominate themselves.
“First of all, men usually prefer to vote for other men, and women are sometimes reluctant to give other women responsibility.”
She said she was encouraged to register after learning it was guaranteed that women would get an equal presence in the council even if they do not win in the elections.
I want all women who have the opportunity to register to do so, whether we win or not, it is important to take part in the experience.
Buthaina Al Qubaisi
She admitted it was also difficult for her family to accept that she will be “stepping out in public and appearing across media platforms” to nominate herself.
“My family is not different than any Emirati family, and my husband is like any traditional local man.”
While her husband had some concerns regarding the public appearances she will be making during the elections, she said he decided to be supportive “to an extent”.
“He told me I can do whatever I see suitable, but that he won’t be pushing his friends to vote for me.”
Ms Al Mazrui said she would like to see more social issues raised at the council, especially by female members.
“Because women understand and advocate their issues better than anybody else; a woman understands the challenges other women go through in everyday life.”
Latifa bin Suwaidan was the first to arrive at the Dubai registration centre. She entered the halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre at 7.30am, half an hour before registration began.
She came on behalf of her father, prominent criminal lawyer Abdul Moneim bin Suwaidan, who is on holiday in Kiev but trusted his daughter to register him.
“You know, we’ve told him for many years, you should go ahead and enter,” said the 30-year-old law student and mother-of-five. “We don’t know what his campaign will be yet because he decided to run just a few days ago and then he left.”
She expects family issues, such as housing and divorce, will be central to her father’s campaign.
Applicants can apply for the Federal National Council candidacy from August 18 until Thursday, August 22, at centres across the country.
Candidates must be 25 years old before Election Day on October 5 and be a “knowledgeable and literary person of sound reputation,” according to the National Election Committee. Additionally, they must be on the list of
330,000 citizens eligible to vote.
On the first morning, most prospective candidates in Dubai were men.
Shaikha Khalfan, 30, was the first woman in Dubai to put her name forward, arriving just after 8am.
Her campaign will focus on private sector health and education quality, as well as job satisfaction.
“I’m an employee, I’m a student and I’m a wife so I know what people are going through,” said Ms Khalfan, who works in planning and development for Emirates airline. "I'm living between all of this and I can take a clear message to the council."
She plans to court support through Instagram and Twitter. If selected, she has a new Twitter account ready to go when the list of approved candidates is announced on September 3.
Equally important to electoral success will be the majlis campaign circuit, where candidates meet prospective voters for discussion in people’s homes. “A few days ago, I heard doubt,” said Ms Khalfan. “People asking, what will the candidates do for us? How will the FNC help? But if you can sit with people and talk with them, they understand.”