Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUDHABI755
2008-06-26 12:29:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

FEDERAL NATIONAL COUNCIL SEEKS MORE POWERS BUT MAY SKIP

Tags:  PGOV KDEM KMPI AE 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO3780
RR RUEHDE RUEHDIR
DE RUEHAD #0755 1781229
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 261229Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1134
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000755 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR DRL, NEA/ARP, NEA/PI, NEA/PPD, R, ECA/PE/V

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KMPI AE
SUBJECT: FEDERAL NATIONAL COUNCIL SEEKS MORE POWERS BUT MAY SKIP
(POSTPONE) NEXT ELECTIONS

REF: ABU DHABI 273

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000755

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR DRL, NEA/ARP, NEA/PI, NEA/PPD, R, ECA/PE/V

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KMPI AE
SUBJECT: FEDERAL NATIONAL COUNCIL SEEKS MORE POWERS BUT MAY SKIP
(POSTPONE) NEXT ELECTIONS

REF: ABU DHABI 273


1. (SBU) The members and leaders of the UAE Federal National Council
(FNC) are urging the UAEG to expand the FNC's power in two ways: 1)
a stronger mechanism for ensuring the implementation of FNC
recommendations, and 2) increased oversight authority over cabinet
members. Both would enhance the "democratic" credentials of the
institution, an advisory body composed of 20 appointed and 20
"elected" members who are increasingly seeking a voice and a link to
the citizenry. In addition, the FNC is opening offices in all seven
Emirates to increase interaction with its constituents. Elected FNC
member Dr. Amal al Qobeisi confirmed to Pol Specialist that these
offices are scheduled to open by the end of the year.


2. (SBU) While considering positive steps to enhance the FNC's role,
the government is also contemplating skipping the next anticipated
cycle of elections and simply lengthening the terms of current
members (half selected in December 2006 and half appointed in early
2007) to four years. According to June 23 press quotes of FNC
Speaker Abdul Aziz al-Ghurair, the plan to postpone elections is
part of a political reform program initiated by President Khalifa
bin Zayed and is designed to capitalize on the experience of the
first two years of the term by giving the current team a longer
period in office before shaking up the advisory "parliament." Many
FNC members have confided in us that two years is not long enough to
accomplish anything substantive, especially since 37 of the 40
current FNC members were newly chosen, less than two years ago
(December 2006). However, a constitutional amendment (to change the
FNC term from two years to four) would reportedly not be made before
an extension is announced. The FNC has also hired consulting firm
Booz Allen to help identify legislative best practices, and some
members plan travel to Europe to learn from counterpart legislatures
there.


3. (SBU) Comment: Reforms which expand the oversight powers of the
FNC, strengthen its role vis-a-vis the executive, and increase its
proximity to Emirati citizens are positive steps toward
participatory governance. However, skipping an election without
amending the constitution suggests a somewhat loose application of
the principles of transparent governance.


4. (SBU) Comment continued: Post is expanding contacts with the UAE
Federal National Council with an eye to opening International
Visitor Leadership and Voluntary Visitor program opportunities for
both elected and appointed FNC members. End comment.

QUINN