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National Election Committee signs MOU with Takatof

Abu Dhabi, July 4, 2011: The National Election Committee (NEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Takatof, the voluntary social program designed by the Emirates Foundation, to ensure the participation of volunteers in regulating and supporting the UAE Federal National Council elections scheduled for the 24^th of September 2011.

The MOU was signed today at the headquarter of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs in Abu Dhabi by His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry, NEC member and Head of the Election Management Committee and Ms. Maitha Al Habsi, Director of Takatof. His Excellency Sami Bin Adi, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services at the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Eng. Nasser Al Hammadi, Corporate and Regional Development Manager of Takatof were also present on the occasion.

Under the agreement, Takatof will provide trained volunteers to the National Election Committee and the volunteers will be allocated various tasks associated with the voting process. Takatof will also provide specialized training for all volunteers participating in the FNC elections to prepare them to handle all election-related duties efficiently.

"Qualified human resources to assist with the elections are key elements to the success of the electoral process. The Election Management Committee has given attention to this aspect and will designate efficient people at each polling station to deal with voters and provide them with all required assistance" stated His Excellency Lootah.

His Excellency said: "The FNC elections represent a national program that involves all the sectors of the society and hence we are targeting young Emiratis, to help them gain experience through participation in the process. This will help to increase political awareness among the youth in the UAE and give them the opportunity to be part of this significant national project".

"Takatof has a large base of volunteers who have the required skills and experience to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the elections," His Excellency added.

"The UAE volunteers have proved their remarkable ability to serve their country, which make them capable to take a part in this national project. It is a great honor to contribute our human potential and expertise to organizing the FNC elections, as it is the first time our volunteers are dealing with such a big challenge. The electoral process will enable the volunteers to gain valuable experience" said Ms. Maitha Al Habsi.

-Ends-

About the National Election Committee:
The National Election Committee (NEC) was established in February 2011 by a Decision of the UAE Supreme Council to exercise all powers necessary to oversee the election of representatives from the seven emirates in the country to the Federal National Council (FNC). The NEC's terms of reference include the general framework of the electoral process and overall supervision of the conduct of the elections. The NEC will also support outreach and education efforts relating to the elections, issue guidelines on the electoral process and identify polling stations in each emirate. In addition, the NEC is authorised to adopt procedures to form the legal framework for elections, as well as to decide on the list of voters and day of the election.

The National Election Committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs. Other members include the Minister of Justice; Minister of Education; Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; representative from the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs; Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior; Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs; Director General of Emirates Identity Authority and the Deputy Assistant Undersecretary of Federal National Council Affairs in the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs. The NEC also has three public figures chosen by the Chairman.

For further information, please contact:
Nedal Alasaad/Omar Olimat
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (971 4) 3344550
Fax: (971 4) 3344556
Email: n.alasaad@asdaa.com / O.Olimat@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2011