Abstract
This study examines how the Federal National Council (FNC), the parliament of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), transformed from a consultative body to a legislative institution through gradual and incremental changes. It argues that the increasing number of parliamentary questions led to legal, procedural, and behavioral changes in the FNC, influenced by external (government support and public pressure) and internal (rationality, competence, incrementalism, and system development) factors. The success of this transformation is attributed to its gradual nature. Anticipating continued momentum, the study outlines future prospects shaped by the UAE government's commitment to FNC empowerment, heightened public expectations, and the influx of educated and experienced individuals into parliamentary roles. This ongoing institutional change reflects a responsive adaptation to evolving governance demands in the UAE. The study contributes to the theory of institutions and the understanding of legislative oversight in newly liberalized political systems. Related Articles: Antwi-Boateng, Osman, and Noura Hamad Salim Al Jaberi. 2022. “The Post-Oil Strategy of the UAE: An Examination of Diversification Strategies and Challenges.” Politics & Policy 50(2): 380–407. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12457. Jouini, Nizar, and Manel Ben Akal. 2022. “Political Consensus, Economic Reforms, and Democratic Transitions in the Middle East: Evidence from Voting on Tunisian Reform Bills.” Politics & Policy 50(4): 851–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12489. Sarquís, David J. 2012. “Democratization after the Arab Spring: The Case of Egypt's Political Transition.” Politics & Policy 40(5): 871–903. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00381.x.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 365-383 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Politics and Policy |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2024 |
Keywords
- Arab countries
- Federal National Council
- Middle East
- UAE
- United Arab Emirates
- comparative politics
- consultative parliaments
- democratization
- governance
- government
- incrementalism
- institutional change
- legislative oversight
- non-Western
- parliamentary questions
- political liberalization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science
- Political Science and International Relations