RIYADH, 15 February 2005 — A number of election candidates are contesting the results, claiming that the winners violated electoral laws.
Dhafer Saeed Al-Yami is heading a seven-member group of defeated candidates appealing the poll results in Riyadh. “Some candidates submitted their appeals with the Grievances and Complaints Committee here Monday after they prepared their files,” said Al-Yami, who will file his complaint today.
“Most of the complaints are related to the violations of electoral laws by winning candidates,” Al-Yami said. “Many violations of the election code of conduct were noted by us during the campaign and on the day of voting.”
He cites several examples of violations. “The appearance of one of the winners — Tariq ibn Othman Al-Qassabi — on Saudi Television at 3.30 p.m. on the day of the polling (last Thursday) violated the election code of conduct,” he said. “The poster of a candidate also was seen on a building in the city despite the fact that the electoral laws prohibit the candidates to place signage on buildings,” Al-Yami said.
“More than 30 candidates have challenged the outcome of the election, and they will file their complaints with the Grievances Committee in a staggered schedule,” he said.
Another losing candidate, Bandar ibn Adil Al-Fakheer, confirmed that “some defeated candidates filed their complaints Monday”.
In fact, dozens of unsuccessful candidates plan to challenge the results. In all, 646 people contested elections to seven seats on Riyadh municipal council.
The winners, who have been labeled by some media as “Islamists”, contend they represent the mainstream Muslim society of the Kingdom. They insisted that they had the decision of the people in their favor through a fair poll. Those who lost out also allege that the seven winners violated regulations by forming a coalition during the campaign.
But, Dr. Ibrahim ibn Hamad Al-Quayid, one of the victors, rejected the allegations.
“To me, the whole election process was transparent and fair enough, so there’s no need to file complaints,” said Mohammed ibn Massoud Al-Qahtani, a losing candidate who works as a senior manager at King Khaled International Airport.
“I have full trust in the Election Commission and results of the poll,” said Al-Qahtani. “I personally called all winners and congratulated them.”
The poll in Riyadh region is to be followed by two more phases will cover the rest of the country in March and April. The voter registration centers in the Makkah region will open today, it was announced yesterday.
