Key policy-making instrument aids social development

The council is composed of 40 members, with representation being based on the population of each emirate. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah six each, and Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah four each.

Two years ago, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that 20 members will be elected by the citizens and 20 nominated by the emirates. Elections were held in December 2006 when an electoral college of 6,689 people was assigned as eligible voters.

The first session of the Federal National Council (FNC) was inaugurated by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on February 13, 1972. The council has completed 13 legislative chapters. The current chapter is the 14th.

Over the last 36 years FNC has proved to be a key instrument in the country's policy-making. According to the Constitution, federal draft laws have to pass through it for review and recommendations.

The draft laws are presented to the council for discussion and amendments are sent back to the Cabinet for approval.

FNC is also a forum where members have the right to question ministers under the Standing Orders of the council. Cabinet members are often grilled and criticised constructively during debates.

The history of FNC also shows that the majority of its recommendations and amendments have been adopted by the government, resulting in a positive infrastructure and social development.

FNC is a member of the International Parliamentary Union as well as the Arab Parliamentary Union and participates actively in these bodies.

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