The National Election Committee of the United Arab Emirates has issued a stringent warning to all candidates who are set to appear on the final ballot for the upcoming National Council elections.
Pre-Campaigning Prohibited
The committee has underlined the importance of refraining from any form of campaign activities until September 11. Official campaigning will commence on that date and will continue for a span of 23 days, concluding on October 3.
Clear Directives on Campaign Timing
In an unambiguous directive, the committee has made it clear that any promotional activities conducted outside of this specified window will be considered a direct violation of the election guidelines.
Penalties for Rule-Breakers
Candidates who violate these rules could face a range of penalties. These include the obligation to rectify any damages that may have resulted from unauthorized campaign activities. Additionally, violators could be slapped with a fine not exceeding Dh10,000. In extreme cases, the campaign permit granted to the candidate may even be revoked.
Severe Consequences for Non-Compliance
In cases deemed severe by the committee, a candidate’s name could be entirely removed from the final lists, rendering them ineligible for the election, regardless of any previous confirmations.
This move by the National Election Committee aims to ensure a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Candidates are strongly advised to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any legal repercussions and to maintain the sanctity of the democratic process.
