UAE: Parliamentary Elections 2013

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The United Arab Emirates hold parliamentary elections every 5 years.

Elections are beginning to play an important step in promoting political participation, as part of a gradual and clear approach of the UAE.

The first parliamentary election ever was held on 24 September 2006.

Among the 20 members chosen by the Electoral College, one woman won. Eight female members were appointed by the rulers of the 7 emirates.

Each emirate had at least one female appointed, with the exception of Umm al-Qaiwain. Three of the females appointed were from Dubai. The total amounted to 22.5% of the Council representing women’s significant expansion and participation in the UAE’s government.

The government has expressed that future elections will be more participatory, including that the powers of the Federal National Council will be expanded and that the right to vote will be granted to all citizens.