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:        
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