Over 50,000 voters to vote in Sharjah Consultative Council elections

Voting for the Sharjah Consultative Council elections commenced today and will continue for three days until December 7 at 8 pm. Over 51,000 registered voters have the option to cast their ballots remotely via the election website or at nine electoral centers operating round-the-clock. The designated centers, spanning various regions, will be open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Using the UAE PASS digital identity system for authentication and candidate selection, voters play a pivotal role in electing from a pool of 193 candidates across Sharjah’s cities and regions.

Preliminary counting results are slated for announcement on December 7. Subsequent phases include an appeals period on December 8 and 9, with final results anticipated to follow after the committee addresses appeals on December 10. Potential by-elections could be held on December 11, 2023.

Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, a member of the Supreme Committee for Sharjah Consultative Council Elections, emphasized the essential role of voter participation in shaping the council’s impact on the emirate’s development. Noting the council’s diverse composition since its inception in 1999, he highlighted its significance in proposing laws, overseeing public services, discussing budgets, and addressing developmental issues.

The council comprises 50 members, half appointed by the Sharjah Ruler and the other half elected for four-year terms. Its responsibilities encompass addressing public concerns, proposing or amending laws, and scrutinizing government reports or proposals. Al Jarwan highlighted the council’s active role in discussing public suggestions, ensuring swift responses from relevant departments, and addressing a wide range of matters during its regular sessions.

Voters expressed their civic duty and belief in the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns through their participation in the electoral process. They emphasized the importance of selecting candidates who can effectively represent their voices within the Council, underscoring the role of this engagement in ensuring collective aspirations are heard and acted upon.