RIYADH, 9 February 2005 — A physician running in tomorrow’s municipal elections says the balloting is an important first step toward democracy in the Kingdom.
Dr. Khaled Al-Sebaiay, executive director of the Business Center at King Fahd Medical City for National Guard Health Affairs, said the elections have given the people an opportunity to participate in the administrative affairs of the municipalities through their elected representatives.
“A large number of people who didn’t register as voters now regret they won’t get a chance to cast their ballots, while the registered voters are happy that they will use their franchise to choose a suitable candidate for their constituency,” said Dr. Al-Sebaiay, a pediatrician.
Dr. Al-Sebaiay has set up his campaign headquarters at the Babtain Festival Palace located in his constituency. He’s one of 117 candidates running for a councilor’s post in the Al-Naseem district. He says he wants to serve the people of the area.
“By virtue of my continuous residency in the constituency for more than 20 years, I know the needs of the people and the improvements that need to be made in the area,” Dr. Al-Sebaiay said, adding he entered the electoral fray because of the persistent requests from the area residents.
Dr. Al-Sebaiay described elections as a good exercise — not only for the voters but for the women and children as well who will witness the changes taking place. “Because of the polls, people are learning of their new rights and privileges in society,” he said, noting the voters will realize the power of their ballots come election day.
Dr. Al-Sebaiay, who has an impressive track record of services, said his priorities will be to provide the best possible health care and maintain an unpolluted environment in his constituency.
In keeping with advanced technology, he hopes to propose that the municipality and its various branches be electronically linked to improve their efficiency. If elected, Dr. Al-Sebaiay said he’d set up a citizens’ office in his constituency so that he could meet the people and identify their needs.
Dr. Al-Sebaiay is confident of his victory since daily more than 1,000 people visit his campaign headquarters to wish him success. Based on the number of registered voters, the winning candidate has to poll at least 8,000 votes in this constituency.
