The current election campaign which fills our newspapers every day is a healthy phenomenon. It deals with the concept of an election, something that has been absent from our society for too long.
One of the candidates told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, that he relied on his wife and daughters as important elements in his campaign; he emphasized that women were more capable than men of understanding women’s needs.
What is unusual is not that he allowed himself to be quoted — but that he did not allow his name to be used. His reason for remaining anonymous is not a benefit to, or a positive statement about, our country. We naturally expect from any candidate that he will address citizens’ genuine needs and requirements regardless of their sex.
I had originally hoped that women would participate in the election as voters but not as candidates. Other ideas prevailed, however, and were as usual forced upon us; the upshot is that fully half of our society, in addition to those under 18 and those in the military, will not vote.
I was amazed at the exclusion of women and military personnel as it seems that their votes are essential, particularly at the municipal level. The municipalities, as is well-known, focus on serving their neighborhoods — which means that all of us — male, female and military — are affected.
I hope that these elections will be a success and that we will look at them as the starting point for correct decisions.
