HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah said that the Central Municipal Council (CNC) elections and particpating in them are an opprtunity to promote popular participation and to shapre the future of the society.
Speaking to QNA on the occasion of the CMC elections, HE al-Attiyah underlined the importance of the participating in the elections and electing those capable of monitoring the implimentation of municipality-related laws, decisions and systems. The CMC elections come after the elections of the Shura Council, which constituted a leap in the field of freedoms' promotion and protection, she said adding that participating in the elections strengthens the foundations of popular participation.
She stressed that fair elections and the right to run for office and vote are essential elements for an environment that protects and promotes human rights, which is the right to take part in public affairs, indicating that these rights are directly related to a number of basic rights such as the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to freedom of association.
She stressed that NHRC geared up to monitor the elections through a team consisting of 22 observers (committee members and lawyers), and prepared them to carry out the tasks required in the electoral committees in accordance with national and international standards, pointing out that the team concerned with monitoring the elections enjoys independence, impartiality and objectivity, and has the necessary experience to monitor the electoral process.
HE al-Attiyah also stated that the team will work within the framework of the strategic plan for monitoring and dissemination, identifying expected results, ensuring the application of international standards for monitoring elections, ensuring the achievement of a number of basic elements, and conducting an independent evaluation of the electoral process.
Regarding the results of the campaign, she said that there is a remarkable positive development in the interaction of citizens with the awareness campaign launched by the committee for the municipal council elections, indicating that the campaign aimed at more positive participation in the current session.
The NHRC aim to enhance participation not only in the upcoming municipal council elections, but also in any other future electoral event.