MADINAH, 18 February 2005 — Residents of Madinah are making a beeline to election centers to register their names as voters. While many of them are convinced that it is a national duty to make sure that the new democratic exercise is successful, others seem to have no idea about the municipal election or election centers.

Arab News visited election center No. 434 in the central area near the holy mosque and met with voters waiting in line. This center is located beneath the western walls of the Al-Bakee cemetery.

Many pilgrims were curious about the place and gathered in front of the center to ask what the rush was all about. Some thought it was a center to distribute free food.

Saad Al-Mutairi, a local resident, said that he came to register to be able to vote on election day. One of the reasons he came was to be the first to register in his family to actually have a voter’s card issued.

“Participating in the election is a national duty for every Saudi citizen. We will finally be able to make decisions. I am very much excited at my new card. My vote will go to the best candidate with a program that would serve our needs.”

Majed Al-Ruwaili, a Saudi youth, thought that the newly elected municipal council would listen to the demands of the young. “We are the majority of society. We have many issues that must be addressed.”

Their demands are for more parks, better lighting, better streets, the removal of old buildings especially in poor neighborhoods. As a citizen he was sure that the elections would solve his problems and fulfill the demands and needs of all Saudi citizens.

“I call on the youth to come out and register their votes and unite as one bloc to make our voice heard,” he said.

Ahmad Al-Hujouri, who turned up immediately after Asir prayer, was excited about the voter card. He found the registration process very easy and did not take long.

“With the proper documents submitted and application filled, the process lasted only a few minutes and after that the card was in my hand, “he said jubilantly.

The Western region goes to polls on April 21 in the final phase of the three-stage elections.