RIYADH, 11 February 2005 — Agents of candidates tried to canvass as many votes as possible for their favorites, stationing themselves outside polling stations since morning and until 5 p.m. when they were closed. Many candidates had deployed a large number of people to mobilize support for them, especially professional marketing executives who are capable of influencing people.
The agents were deployed around the more than 200 polling stations set up across the Riyadh region. They met voters before they entered the polling station to cast their votes. The agents were successful in influencing many people, especially undecided voters. They adopted various methods to convince voters depending on their position and educational standard.
If voters were from the general public, the agents would try to impress them through customs and traditions and told them that the success of their candidate depended on their mercy. To educated voters, they would explain the election programs of their candidates and the services they intend to offer once elected. They also asked such voters what their demands were from the candidate to ensure their vote for him.
A single candidate had appointed more than 70 agents asking them to collect as many votes as possible. One agent told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, that he was successful in making 30 people to vote for his candidate.
He had spent the whole day near a polling station to convince voters in favor of his candidate. “It’s a very difficult task and an embarrassing job. We have to hold long talks with prospective voters and tell them about the candidate and his programs,” he said. However, many voters dealt with the agents in a polite and pleasant manner. Candidates selected efficient and experienced executives, especially those who know good PR work to do the job. They preferred marketing executives as they have the ability to convince people and know how to deal with them.
