Federal National Council |
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Federal National Council |
The Federal National Council (FNC) has 40 members drawn from the emirates on the basis of their population, with eight for each of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, six each for Sharjah and Ra's al-Khaimah, and four each for Fujairah, Umm al-Qaiwain and Ajman.
The election of representative members is left to the discretion of each emirate, and the members' legislative term is deemed to be two calendar years. Day-to-day operation of the FNC is governed by standing orders based on the provisions of Article 85 of the Constitution. These orders were first issued in 1972 and subsequently amended by Federal Decree No. 97 of 1977.
The FNC plays an important role in serving the people and the nation and consolidating the principles of shura (consultation) in the country. Presided over by a speaker, or either of two deputy speakers, elected from amongst its members, the FNC has both a legislative and supervisory role under the Constitution.
This means that it is responsible for examining and, if it so requires, amending, all proposed federal legislation, and is empowered to summon and to question any federal minister regarding ministry performance. One of the main duties of the FNC is to discuss the annual budget. Specialised sub-committees and a Research and Studies Unit have been formed to assist FNC members to cope with the increasing demands of modern government.
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Federal National Council |
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©2007 UAE Embassy In Washington DC
