Dubai, December 9, 2006: The Election Management Committee (EMC) held a voting center simulation at the Expo Center-Airport premises yesterday, as part of the committee's commitment to train and develop the skills of staff members and volunteers  working in voting centers on the Election Day.

A large number of volunteers and staff members participated in the simulation yesterday going over the seven minute voting process in its different stages. The process included checking identification, e-voting, printing out voters choice of candidate and dropping the list into the ballot box as part of the EMC' intention to ensure that all necessary safeguard are in place for a smooth and fair election.

The simulation was attended by H.E Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs and Head of the National Election Council (NEC), Tariq Hilal Lootah, Secretary-General of FNC Affairs Ministry, Member of the NEC and head of the EMC, and Dr. Saeed Al Ghafli, Assistant Secretary-General of the FNC Affairs Ministry and Emirates Subcommittees coordinator.

Mr. Lootah said: "We witnessed a great deal of development in handling the tasks assigned to the volunteers and staff. They have showed great interest and participation in trying the e-voting system for the upcoming FNC elections. The participation of the students in this activity is an important part of our work to introduce an election culture in the country"

Mr. Lootah added: "The upcoming elections are the right step forward towards gradually empowering the FNC. The process will encourage the emergence of a new generation of young leaders and will, for the first time, witness the representation of women in the FNC."

The voting center simulation witnessed great participation and interest from student and great discipline and enthusiasm from volunteers and staff members in the voting center.

Established by presidential decree in December 2005, the National Elections Committee is assigned to supervise the upcoming elections scheduled to take place on December 16, 18, and 20 of 2006.

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© Press Release 2006