DUBAI // Many Emiratis say they would prefer to vote for Federal National Council candidates with a proven track record, rather than a face on a poster.
“When I meet FNC people I feel I have reached someone,” said Nayamat Ismail, a businessman who voted in the FNC elections in 2011. “I can talk about many things – jobs, housing.
“I see candidates on posters, on Instagram, they send WhatsApp messages. But why would I vote for someone I don’t know? How do I know they did the work they say they have done?
“I like candidates who have been in the FNC and candidates I have met.”
Hamad Al Rahoomi, who hopes to return to the FNC for Dubai, said he understood the need to meet the electorate.
He meets people every evening in a large, brightly lit white tent set up in Al Khawaneej. Discussions often become animated and are mostly about jobs for young Emiratis or benefits for the retired.
“To be close with people, to listen to them, that is their right,” said Mr Al Rahoomi, a businessman with experience in shipping who has worked with the Dubai Police and the Fishermen’s Association. “I have one saying: I have no promises. I will continue doing work as before. I listen to people and take what they ask to the council.
“I do my homework and check what happens in other countries before I present my case to the council. I will also meet people every month after the elections so they can ask me whatever they want.”
He is focused on Emiratisation, comprehensive changes in school teaching, better wages for teachers, higher pensions for the retired, lower fuel prices, monthly wages for Emirati fishermen and farmers and monitoring job fairs to find out if these result in employment.
As an incumbent, he has the advantage of people recalling issues he has raised, such as Emiratisation and appropriate clothing for female tourists.
“We need more jobs for our sons. He took that up,” said Faisal Al Awadi, a retired human resources manager. “I remember him asking for ladies to respect that we are an Islamic country. I agree because ladies should not wear skimpy dresses to malls.”
First-time candidate Ali Al Amri realises he has his work cut out for him.
His plans include compensation in Emirati salaries for the rising cost of living, better pay grades, growth and promotions for Emirati teachers and options for easily accessible overseas medical treatment.
Mr Al Amri has been meeting voters in Dubai and outlying areas such as Hatta and with friends who have helped to organise casual meetings. He said that community work would help him to win votes.
“I worked in different departments so I know many people and I know how work is done,” said Mr Al Amri, who runs a property business and has worked with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and with State Security.
“I have always helped when people came with their problems. They will remember this. “I try to understand what exactly they want, then I can talk to local authorities about their issues and follow up.
“People are our strength. Every candidate gives their message on social media but meeting people is important.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
