The Higher Committee for Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC)  Elections held on Wednesday, October 10, 2019, its first introductory seminar at Al Qasimia University Auditorium, with the participation of HE Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Member of the Higher Committee for SCC Elections and Chairman of the Election Management Committee, and HE Aisha Al Bairaq, a former Member of the SCC.

The ongoing series of seminars organised by the Higher Committee before the start of the second phase -- registration of candidates – is aimed at offering a detailed perspective on the upcoming elections to the Council, explaining the various stages, latest developments and laws governing the electoral process.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Member of the Higher Committee, thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his constant support and involvement in the Emirate’s parliamentary journey which began on December 6, 1999 with an Emiri Decree No. (3) paving the way for the empowerment and participation of the citizens in the development and progress of the Emirate.

Al Jarwan pointed out that the Consultative Council is one of the leading initiatives of HH the Ruler of Sharjah to involve the citizens of the Emirate in the various national action programmes and make them part of Sharjah’s journey for sustainable development. It is aimed at consolidating the values ​​of cooperation and solidarity on the one hand and the principles of shura (consultation) and justice, on the other. The empowerment of the people will also help in the integration of the Emirate’s institutions as well as its achievements on the social and economic levels.

He stressed that the Consultative Council represents the entire Emirate of Sharjah, and also takes into account the interests of the nation and no one has any authority over it, as it listens to the needs and concerns of the citizen in order to come up with solutions and provide a decent living for the people of the Emirate.

Discussing the second stage of the electoral process, that is, the registration of candidates, Al Jarwan said that that the first phase, the registration of voters, had been a remarkable success, with a large number of citizens enrolling themselves for the upcoming polls in the nine electoral zones.

Al Jarwan said: "Registration will be open to all those wishing to run for the membership of the Consultative Council from 8 am to 5 pm from October 20 to 22, according to their constituency at the respective municipalities of Sharjah City, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Madam, Maliha   , Al Hamriyah and Al Batayeh.

HE Aisha Al Bairaq, a former member of the Consultative Council, shared her experience at the Council, underscoring the keenness of HH Ruler of Sharjah to listen to all citizens and provide for their needs. Pointing out that the Consultative Council acts as the right hand of HH the Ruler of Sharjah, she said that the Council members have a responsibility to faithfully communicate the citizens’ needs and concerns.

Al Bairaq explained that the Sharjah Executive Council and Consultative Council complement each other and constitute an integrated unit whose first goal is to serve the needs and interests of citizens.

She commended the efforts of the Higher Committee in organising these introductory seminars for the public, candidates and voters to introduce the qualifications and duties of candidates for the second term of the Council, pointing to the considerable public awareness of the role of the Council and its competencies, which are all in the interest of the citizen, which is the main pillar of any nation.

Al Bairaq said that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah invests in human beings, that is citizens, and loves human beings. Therefore, he is exerting great efforts to provide a decent living and stable life for all categories of citizens in the Emirate.