TAIF, 10 December 2006 — The Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry elections started yesterday, pitting two main groups of businessmen and manufacturers who both say they will be the best for promoting the local economy. The first group is calling itself “Development and Correction” while the other is called “Accomplishment and Development”.
The voting will take place today between 9 a.m. and noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The results are expected by 10 p.m.
Ahmed Al-Obaikan of the Development and Correction group says his group has attracted more than SR2 billion in investments from the GCC region to develop the city’s tourism infrastructure.
Taif is a popular highland retreat for Saudi families thanks to its mountain vistas and mild summertime temperatures.
“We pledge to address any obstacles to investment in the city, whether its local or from abroad,” said Al-Obaikan, who pointed out that the chamber is vying for an industrial city in Taif, as well as new offices for the chamber.
The election, he says, will be conducted with the interest of making as easy as possible for the members to cast their ballots.
From the Accomplishment and Development group, local businessman and long-time chamber member Eid Al-Swat says his group would enhance the chamber’s development programs for entrepreneurial training and tourism. “I wish the one to win this race is the honest businessmen who will work for the interest of Taif and those who love the city,” said.
All chamber members are open to vote in the election; however the 120 women members cannot vote without using a male representative to cast the ballot on their behalf. A committee comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the Council of Saudi Chambers will oversee the election, which will be conducted manually with a computerized vote tabulation system.
