Emiratis are preparing for their next experience of limited participatory politics with elections for the advisory Federal National Council (FNC) taking place until 5 October. The National Election Committee (NEC) opened at least one candidate registration centre in each emirate between 18 and 22 August. Some 555 people applied, of whom 56 were disqualified by the NEC and some others later withdrew. A final list of 495 candidates was released on 3 September, including 180 women. Campaigning is due to start on 8 September.