Emirati citizens abroad continue to stream into polling stations at UAE embassies and consulates

UAE citizens residing abroad are continuing to come forward to vote in the Federal National Council Elections 2015 in 94 polling stations at UAE embassies and consulates around the world. The electoral process has been extended outside the UAE for the first time in a move aimed at allowing Emirati citizens to exercise their voting rights even if they are residing in a foreign country.

On the occasion, Tareq Hilal Lootah, Under-Secretary of Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Head of the Elections Management Committee, pointed out that the polling centres abroad have provided all the facilities to the voters to enable them to effectively participate in the elections. Voting process continued without any interruptions despite an increase in voter turnout on the second day, Lootah said.

He attributed the smooth electoral process to the efficient coordination between the National Election Committee (NEC) and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lauding the high level of interest from voters abroad in the elections, Lootah pointed out that voting has been taking place in accordance with world class standards adopted since 2006.

NEC has urged voters to confirm their names in the electoral lists in order to ensure their participation in the early elections and the Election Day on 3rd October 2015.