[list_indonesia] [ppiindia] The How, When and Why of UAE Democracy
- From: "Ambon" <sea@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <"Undisclosed-Recipient:;"@freelists.org>
- Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2005 23:41:57 +0100
** Mailing-List Indonesia Nasional Milis PPI-India www.ppi-india.da.ru **
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=60061&d=7&m=3&y=2005
Monday, 7, March, 2005 (26, Muharram, 1426)
Mail Article | Print Article | Comment on Article
The How, When and Why of UAE Democracy
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Arab News
There has been increasing talk about political participation in the UAE
and improving the performance of the Federal National Council (FNC) among
educated UAE nationals and academicians.
UAE writers and columnists have written about having a house with elected
members. Among them are Dr. Khalifa Bakhit Al-Falasi who wrote an article in
the Arabic daily Al-Bayan and Dr. Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, who wrote a piece in
another Arabic daily, Al-Khaleej.
Al-Falasi, a former ambassador to Australia and a former undersecretary
at the Ministry of Education, says the UAE people must be rewarded for their
efforts, patience and loyalty by being given the right to elect FNC members in
line with the UAE Constitution that allows for holding polls to elect members
of the house.
Abdullah, an academic and a well-known social activist, says there must
be reform so that there can be people's participation. This happened in Saudi
Arabia recently, where the people were given the right to elect municipal
councils.
The elections were part of the first phase of change. Municipal and
parliamentary elections have also been held in Bahrain.
Dr. Saeed Hareb, another academic, says it is embarrassing that Iraqi
expatriates had voted in the UAE for their country's election, but UAE
nationals do not have the right to franchise.
These talks and calls may gain momentum. They confirm the political
maturity of UAE citizens and their concern for further developing the political
experience of the UAE federation. The citizens also want to cement the
solidarity between the people and their leadership.
However, the UAE authorities have not commented on the issue. It seems
that the authorities, like in the past, are working in silence. There has been
no word in the media about their thoughts on the issue.
A few years ago, Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al-Qasimi, member of the
Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, established an Executive Council,
followed by a Consultative Council. He recently announced that polls to elect
members of municipal councils were imminent.
It was the first time such a high-profile figure, a ruler, referred to
having elections. Earlier, Dr. Sheikh Sultan announced the formation of
municipal councils in different parts of Sharjah.
This was a sort of preparation for civic elections. Members would be
elected rather than appointed. The step paves the way for the people to have
increased participation in municipal affairs.
In separate statements, other government officials have expressed similar
aspirations. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, crown prince and deputy ruler of
Ras Al-Khaimah, spoke of his wish to develop the tools of political
participation.
In this context, it is worth noting that appointed consultative councils
in the UAE have been playing their role efficiently.
The Abu Dhabi Consultative Council has proved its efficiency and is a
success. A consultative council has been established in Sharjah. One is
announced for Ajman, and the other emirates may follow suit. Some initiatives
are being carried out quietly, reflecting the fact that the rulers and
officials feel the pulse of their people. Some other initiatives often precede
public demands. One of these is appointing women in high-profile positions in
local departments as well as the Sharjah Consultative Council. In the latest
Cabinet reshuffle Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi was appointed minister of economy and
planning.
Local and federal governments can refer to these initiatives and take
steps to pave the way for some forms of participation in compliance with the
spirit of the age and the requirements of UAE's political and social
development.
The UAE, however, has a foundation for political participation. Besides,
the government and citizens treasure the tribal and social heritage. This means
that the UAE can build on this base to attain the so-called direct democracy as
defined by the public.
Direct democracy will enable people to approach their governors and
representatives and speak to them directly, without any barriers, to submit
their complaints and suggestions.
This is an old tradition which still exists. This system may not be
viable nowadays because the rulers and officials have a very busy schedule and
due to the rapid increase in population.
The experience of public welfare and women's societies as well as
nongovernment organizations can be of benefit. These organizations have been
set up through elections in compliance with laws issued by the government.
Some of these organizations have suffered setbacks, but the principle can
be applied to increase people's participation.
It is also important to activate the role of general assemblies of public
joint stock companies. Some are satisfied with having boards of directors,
which act on behalf of general assemblies.
These are a few examples of people's participation in the UAE.
Moreover, there also exists a fertile environment to develop political
and social participation because there has been a remarkable increase in the
number of educated people and a rapid decline in illiteracy. Economic
development programs have also been a success. The UN says UAE's rate of growth
is one of the highest in the world. These are positive factors that will help
local and federal governments take well-judged steps.
Having a constitution with flexible clauses also allows governments to
absorb what they believe is suitable to achieve this end. If some forms of
participation have been delayed in certain emirates, or are not in line with
the expectations of people in other emirates, there is now a political and
social necessity to develop them. The call for change and more political
participation by the educated elite and political and economic figures in the
UAE is a result of what they have seen happening in the world.
It is apparent that UAE citizens have been closely following changes
taking place around them and are demanding the same. They also feel that they
have the political maturity, which qualifies them to participate in elections.
The authorities are flexible and can take steps to fulfill these demands.
The first step in this direction is to have an FNC with elected members,
not appointed ones. It is time to have a fully elected house, or a partially
elected one for now, which, in time, will be turned to a powerful house.
As in a democratic system, the FNC must play its role effectively as a
consultative and supervisory power. It must help the government develop a
proper representation system.
There must now be national dialogue. Local and federal governments should
make this initiative, either individually or collectively.
The agenda must be to look into ways to develop the UAE's political
experience and activate the role of the public in line with their aspirations
and national and social solidarity. Winds of democracy are blowing in the world
and sometimes they can turn turbulent. Here in the UAE, we do not want
turbulence. We need a gentle breeze.
- Abdul Hamid Ahmad is editor in chief of Dubai-based Gulf News.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Take a look at donorschoose.org, an excellent charitable web site for
anyone who cares about public education!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/O.5XsA/8WnJAA/E2hLAA/BRUplB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
***************************************************************************
Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg
Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny. www.ppi-india.uni.cc
***************************************************************************
__________________________________________________________________________
Mohon Perhatian:
1. Harap tdk. memposting/reply yg menyinggung SARA (kecuali sbg otokritik)
2. Pesan yg akan direply harap dihapus, kecuali yg akan dikomentari.
3. Lihat arsip sebelumnya, www.ppi-india.da.ru;
4. Satu email perhari: ppiindia-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
5. No-email/web only: ppiindia-nomail@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
6. kembali menerima email: ppiindia-normal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ppiindia/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ppiindia-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
** Mailing-List Indonesia Nasional Milis PPI-India www.ppi-india.uni.cc **
Other related posts:
- » [list_indonesia] [ppiindia] The How, When and Why of UAE Democracy
