Statement by H.E. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais,
H.E. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of the Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Elections Committee, underscored that membership of the Federal National Council (FNC) is both a national mandate and a public duty, carrying the responsibility of representing all citizens of the Union, beyond an Emirate. His Excellency made the statement following the announcement of the issuance of a Federal Decree providing for the appointment of a new member to take the seat of an elected Federal National Council member representing the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, who will complete the remainder of his predecessor’s term.
On this occasion, His Excellency extended his highest appreciation and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for His Highness’s continued support for the country’s parliamentary procedures and for the steadfast commitment to empowering the FNC to fulfil its role as a legislative, advisory, and guiding authority for the government. His Excellency further highlighted His Highness’s vision for a Council that is more capable, effective, and responsive to national issues and public concerns, while upholding the values of meaningful participation and the longstanding principles of Shura.
H.E. explained how, in the event that the seat of any of FNC’s 20 elected members becomes vacant at least three months prior to the end of the Council’s term, the seat shall be filled by a candidate from the respective Emirate who has received the highest number of votes in the reserve list. In accordance with the approved framework, a male member shall be replaced by a male candidate with the highest number of votes, while a female member shall be replaced by a female candidate with the highest number of votes. The process is governed by Article 67 of the Executive Instructions for the Federal National Council Elections, which provides that the candidate with the highest number of votes in the reverse list from the relevant Emirate shall replace the elected member if their seat is vacant at least three months before the end of the Council’s term and complete the remainder of the predecessor’s term. The new member shall formally assume membership upon the issuance of a Federal Decree admitting the member to the Federal National Council.
H.E. added, “I extend my sincere congratulations to H.E. Abdulsalam Abdulla Alshehhi on joining the Federal National Council as an elected member representing the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, succeeding the late H.E. Saeed Rashed Alaabdi. We recall with profound appreciation and gratitude his distinguished service to our beloved nation, and his valuable contributions to advancing our national interests. We pray that the Almighty bestows His infinite mercy upon the deceased, and rewards him generously for his devotion and service to our homeland, while also granting the new member the strength and wisdom required to fulfil his national responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the Council’s mission of serving the nation.”
