Due to work constraints, I was unable to register to vote in the coming municipal election until three days after the start of the registration process. On the third day I went to register and learned that only 38 people had registered to vote. And this despite an extensive media campaign which involved newspaper advertisements and articles, posters along roads as well as signs indicating every registration center.
Some people have attributed the low registration numbers to the fact that the election process is something new and that Saudis are wary of involving themselves in something which they do not clearly understand. In the past, I have written several articles stressing the need to educate the public and encourage them to play a significant role in the election; such an effort would of course require extensive media campaigns employing all the means and technology at our disposal.
The public should be encouraged to participate actively in a process that is vital for the establishment of practices and institutions that augment our reform drive.
In my opinion, the committee overseeing the election is not to blame. The media as well — especially newspapers — have played an active role in the campaign; indeed some papers published special pages related to the election and voting process.
What is left is the role of the citizen to guarantee success. Voting is a civil right, and every one of us should recognize the need for creating a suitable environment which will lead to positive achievements and help eliminate shortcomings.
I understand the hesitation shown by some who may not wish to be involved in a process they see as new to them. I also appreciate the position of the skeptics who may want to play down the significance of the election, arguing that if the democratic process has failed in all Arab countries, how could it succeed in a country that is experiencing it for the first time.
Let us put all this argument aside and remember one thing — the decision to hold the election did not come from heaven but was the result of our own repeated demands. If we miss this opportunity, a day may come when we bitterly regret what we failed to do when we had the chance.
