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This Happened

This Happened—December 18: An Arab Monarchy Samples Democracy

The United Arab Emirates, a monarchy, had not allowed elections in its political system. On this day in 2006, that changed.

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Why did the Arab Emirates decide to hold elections?

The aim was to increase political participation among Emiratis through a “political empowerment program”, which the Federal National Council, the country’s advisory body, would be the perfect way to hear the concerns of the country’s citizens.

Who was allowed to run in the UAE elections?

The number of people who could run for elected positions was small, based on a number of qualifying factors. The first Electoral College was small with a total of 6,595. The 40 members of the Federal National Council consisted of 20 elected members and 20 members appointed by the rulers of each Emirate. Almost 300,000 citizens over 18 years qualified to vote, 1,163 of which were women.

Following the elections, the new Federal National Council began on February 12, 2007, led by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. One woman, Amal Al Qubaisi in Abu Dhabi, was elected and eight others were appointed as members.

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Geopolitics

Why The World Still Needs U.S. Leadership — With An Assist From China

Twenty years of costly interventions and China's economic ascent have robbed the United States of its global supremacy. It is time for the two biggest powers to work together, to help the world.

Photograph of Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden walking side by side in the Filoli Estate in the U.S. state of California​

Nov. 15, 2023: Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden take a walk after their talks in the Filoli Estate in the U.S. state of California

Xinhua/ZUMA
María Ángela Holguín*

-Analysis-

BOGOTÁ — The United States is facing a complex moment in its history, as it loses its privileged place in the world. Since the Second World War, it has been the world's preeminent power in economic and political terms, helping rebuild Europe after the war and through its growing economy, aiding the development of a significant part of the world.

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Its model of democracy, long considered exemplary around the world, has gone through a rough patch, thanks to excessive polarization and discord. This has cost it a good deal of its leadership, unity and authority.

How much authority does it have to chide certain countries on democracy, as it does, after such outlandish incidents as the assault on Congress in January 2021? The fights we have seen over electing a new speaker of the House of Representatives or backing the administration's foreign policy are simply incredible.

In Ukraine's case, President Biden failed to win support for the aid package for which he was hoping, even if there is a general understanding that if Russia wins this war, Europe's stability would be at risk. It would mean the victory of a longstanding enemy.

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