Voting Systems
Switzerland: Proportional system of representation wherein the political parties, through votes, receive seats in the Federal Assembly, thus giving the smallest of parties the remotest chance to stand along with bigger ones. In addition, the citizens can vote on critical issues through referendums.

UAE – There is a provision for election to the Federal National Council, FNC; however, only half of its membership is elected by the small number of selected citizens. The rest are appointed by the rulers of the emirates. FNC advises and does not have the right to legislate.

Democracy Assessment

Switzerland: is considered one of the robust democracies. It has free elections and numerous political parties. Citizens have the right to vote on important issues. Its government is responsible to the people.

UAE: The UAE is not a democracy. While there are elections, they are highly limited in their scope, and the lion’s share of power remains with the rulers. The people have little say in politics, and political freedoms are limited.

While Switzerland is a real democracy with free elections and numerous political parties, in the UAE, there is only a very restricted voting system and political parties are lacking, hence it is taken as an authoritarian country where power lies within the hands of the ruling families.