The other day I was sitting and talking to a group of people. Our discussion was focused on the municipal elections in Jeddah and I was frankly amazed at how cynical many of the people were about the whole matter. A couple of them said the low voter registration indicated that people weren’t taking the elections seriously. Someone else pointed out that only about 53,000 out of a possible 300,000 voters had registered.
This is, I am sorry to say, most unpleasant news. In fact, I am honestly disturbed. Now that we are being given the chance to exercise our right and vote, all this negative talk creates an atmosphere of pessimism. That atmosphere is in part a result of certain situations in the neighborhood that are causing concern — the situation in Iraq, political activity and possible turmoil in the region and a possible US-Israeli strike on neighboring Iran. These problems are not within our borders but at the same time, they agitate us and make us uncomfortable.
These facts notwithstanding, we need a positive attitude, and the elections can help us achieve that. This is a chance to exhibit our civic responsibility and show that we are citizens who care. Yes, turnout was low in the first phase but that was probably due to the elections being something new. In the Eastern Province, however, turnout was better. There the people decided this was a moment that should be seized, and it was a historic one. In the southern region, the election process also went well.
Yes, there were reports of people voting along tribal lines and on factors outside the real issues but that is to be expected. It happens all over the world. This is, after all, the first round of elections and the level of required social and political maturity has yet to be attained. That will take time in Saudi Arabia just as it did in other countries.
What upsets me most are the so-called educated and “cultured” people from many of whom I hear only negative comments. “This is only a ploy” ... “The elections will not solve anything” ... “Women have been barred from the elections” ... “The hard-liners will win.” I must admit that they may well have some validity — but let us not promote only doom and gloom.
I was the first to be disappointed when it was announced that women would be excluded as candidates and voters in the elections. In fact, I had advised and encouraged two women — Nadia Bakhurji from Riyadh and Fatin Bundagji from Jeddah — to publicize their election platforms and begin their campaigns. The fact that women were then barred from participation was a big disappointment to many Saudis but it is not the end of the world.
The year 2009 is not so far away and one of the greatest thrills of my life would be to see my daughters casting their votes, not only in a municipal election in 2009 but also one day for the Shoura Council. This is our country. We love it as any person loves his or her country. I have always tried to teach my children to love their country. Work hard; be good; strive to be role models and be patriotic.
Some 230 years ago, the British literary legend Samuel Johnson said: “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” By this he meant there are those who scream and shout and beat their chests, alleging love of country, pointing our society’s deficiencies and talking about the changes necessary for a better future. When duty and work — actions in other words — are required, they are nowhere to be found. Our society doesn’t need such “patriots.” We have tremendous challenges from within and without. We must face some very stiff economic competition. The world is changing and we have no choice but to get on the train. We can’t be onlookers while other nations and peoples travel forward and leave us behind. In short, we cannot be a nation of watchers and consumers.
These elections, however small and localized, do offer us a chance to participate in shaping our affairs at the municipal and regional level. They empower us. They give us dignity and purpose. We must not sit on the sidelines and take a pessimistic view. Yes, half the council will be appointed, but so what? By participating with a positive election platform that highlights our plans to improve and better our standards, all without fear, we will be able to impress others.
We can’t continue being cynics. Let us go and register as candidates today as opposed to registering complaints of what could have or should have been. The time to act is now. I have said it before and now say it again: We cannot remain neutral. Our government has granted us these rights and the power to use them because it realizes the future we all have will be the future we all earn. If you have children and want them to have a better tomorrow, vote for them today. If you have mothers, wives or sisters, vote for them today. Even if you think you’re alone, vote for yourself today.
The truth, however, is that none of us is alone — we are all in this together, and the message should be clear that we are all responsible for shaping the future of this country. The tool we have been given is the ballot — not to admire or complain about but to use it in order to build our future.
Let’s get to work and put it to use.
