FNC celebrates 39th anniversary

The Federal National Council (FNC), UAE's parliament, celebrates on Saturday the 39th anniversary of its formation.

The FNC held its first session on 12th February 1972 and continues to play its regulatory and legislative role with support from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of emirates.

The FNC was established as one of the five federal constitutional authorities in the UAE and contributed to the parliamentary life strengthening the political participation in the process of decision-making over the last for decades.

Among the important developments the Council has witnessed in its march were the election of half of its members though general voting and the participation of women members.

President Khalifa announced in 2005 a programme for reform, enabling the FNC to strengthen its political role in the life of the UAE.

In 2007 the FNC held its first session with half of its seats occupied by elected members.

In 2009, the constitutional amendment No.1 affected a number of articles and strengthened the role of the Council and its prerogatives in application of the political programme announced by the President.

Thanks to this support, the FNC experiment was able to give a special model in the practice of democracy as it was characterised by the process of participation and parliamentary work.

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