Description of Electoral System:

(courtesy of IFES election guide)

The president is elected by indirect vote by the Federal Supreme Council (FSC), which is composed of the seven emirate rulers, to serve 5-year terms. There are no term limits for the president. In the Federal National Council (Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani), 20 members are appointed by the rulers of the constituent emirates and 20 members are elected by indirect vote through local councils. All members serve 2-year terms.