JEDDAH, 19 April 2005 — A candidate has filed a complaint against two other candidates who, according to him, do not live in the area they are campaigning to represent.
Faisal Bataweel, who is media adviser at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and is currently a candidate in the municipal council elections, told Arab News that he has filed a complaint against two candidates who are contesting from Balad District (Precinct No. 5).
Bataweel said, “I know that the two are not currently residents of Al-Balad area. They might have property there but they are not living in the area.”
He added that he didn’t initially want to file a complaint but was encouraged to do so. Bataweel explained, “Some people are ashamed to live in Al-Balad but it’s an area I care about and love. In fact, I am the only member of my family who hasn’t left the area; I am strongly attached to it and its history.”
Voters had different opinions regarding the issue of where candidates lived. Some felt that a candidate who did not live in a certain area might not be aware of the area’s problems and needs. Others said that if a candidate owned property in an area, was a Jeddah resident and was qualified to run for office, they could not see a problem.
Regarding candidates who filed a complaint against endorsement by religious scholars, Bataweel said that he believed in freedom of choice. If the people choose those recommended by the scholars, he will respect the choice since people have the right to decide.
On the other hand, he wondered who the religious scholars are. Why didn’t they stand for election themselves instead of using others? Why are they working behind the scenes? He added that if they wanted to support a candidate, they should do so openly.
