9th March, 2011
Dubai: Emirati intellectuals and activists, inspired by uprisings across the Arab world, petitioned the president today to introduce direct elections and vest parliament with legislative power. In an online petition they cite “rapid regional and international developments that necessitate improving national participation,” a reference to anti-government protests that have redrawn Arab politics in recent weeks. They call for the direct election of all members of the Federal National Council (FNC) and constitutional amendments to invest the toothless advisory body with full legislative and regulatory powers.
In These New Times 