Last night I received a call from a candidate in the coming Jeddah municipal elections. He was clearly upset. Evidently in the run-up to the elections in Riyadh, some candidates formed a group supported by a number of self-appointed, self-styled religious scholars. Instead of projecting the candidates’ views, giving us an idea of their future plans for the municipality and allowing us to do a thorough check into their experience and qualifications — which would surely indicate their ability to do the job — the group took the easy route and, using the scholars’ endorsement, made it plain that it was every citizen’s duty, and even religious obligation, to support them. In other words, a certain group of people issued a statement saying that the candidates on their “approved” list should be elected. A similar thing is now happening in Jeddah. Strangely, the list of “approved” names does not include anyone from Jeddah or anyone known to the Jeddah establishment.
This in itself may not matter because in a democratic election, anyone can be a candidate and no one should question the sincerity of those aspiring to office. What is disturbing, however, is that the group, instead of canvassing and making their views and stances known to the public, has taken refuge in the statements of a group of scholars whom we do not know and are unfamiliar with.
I say in all frankness and honesty, as someone who loves his country, that this kind of behavior is wrong and will do nothing to help in the development of a society in which diverse opinions are not only needed but also should be encouraged. We live in the 21st century in a world in which we are aware of what happens in other countries and they in turn know what happens here. Our days of isolation and of following the herd instinct are gone and it is time for us to lay them both to rest. They may have served us well in the past but not today.
Such abuses as I have outlined must stop immediately. Why, we wonder, has the government spent billions of riyals to educate its people? I am sure the aim was not to make us “basmajis”! Not to make us blindly accept opinions and ideas. We have to think, evaluate things for ourselves and make our own decisions concerning every aspect of our lives. I have personally asked all my family friends to meet the candidates and decide which one deserves their vote. My own brother, by the way, has views different from mine and he will naturally vote as he likes. God has given us intellect and the ability to make our own judgments and decisions based on our knowledge, experience and perceptions. We are adults, not schoolchildren. We must use reason and logic — rather than emotion and prejudice. Reason and logic are of course integral parts of our ideology and we should realize that the unrestrained use of both is what has made the West leap forward.
Another question that needs to be answered is whether the group of seven endorsed candidates has met their opponents for the seats in Jeddah. Have the seven read the other candidates’ platforms? Have they compared their own election promises with those of the candidates who are not on the list?
Both groups — those on the mysterious list and those who are not — as well as the public in general should realize that the government is keen on reforms and keen to have sincere public participation. Crown Prince Abdullah has not minced words in this respect. He has said loudly and clearly that the country will move forward, Inshallah, and make real progress. His words have been well received, not only here but around the world.
As citizens we must make sure that social and economic development is taking place. This kind of development will only happen by listening to the diverse opinions coming from all segments of society and having the tolerance to accept other people’s viewpoints. We have had enough of being forced to listen to, and follow, only one viewpoint. We are not citizens of the former Soviet Union. We live in Saudi Arabia and have a government that is progressive and is very concerned about the welfare of its citizens. And we, as thinking and responsible citizens, should realize this and act accordingly.
On Election Day, we must go to the polls, make our own choices and vote for the candidates whom we think are best for our beautiful city of Jeddah. And let us not lose sight of the fact that we are adults and not unthinking children.
