Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practicality of having the Federal National Council (FNC) become an elective body, thereby making it more directly responsible to the citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology. Research methods selected for this research were descriptive, ex post facto. The members of the Federal National Council and the intellectual groups were chosen as the population of this study effort. Intellectual groups refer to all professors who teach for various departments at the University of the United Arab Emirates. A questionnaire was developed by the researcher to elicit the perceptions of members of the FNC and the professors of the UAE. A test of differences was conducted to determine the significant differences in the perceptions of the FNC members and the intellectual groups regarding the practicality of having the FNC become an elective body. Findings. The data indicated that there were no significant differences in the perceptions of the FNC members and the intellectual groups (the professors) regarding the practicality of having the FNC become an elective body reflecting the needs of the citizens in a more direct way. Recommendations. The positive response of the FNC members and the intellectual groups to the practicality of having the FNC become an elective body and be given power by an amendment to the Federal Provisional Constitution suggests that each Emirate shall select a number of candidates and announce the list of the candidates to the people through the media as well as by other means. Thus the citizens will elect their representatives to the Federal National Council. This researcher plans to discuss the findings with some members of the Federal Supreme Council and the President of the Federal National Council. Should election take place on the local level, the ultimate goal of this research would be achieved.