JEDDAH, 15 December 2005 — Saudi Arabia yesterday announced the formation of 178 municipal councils across the country as part of political reforms introduced by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, aimed at increasing participation of the public in the decision-making process.
“I have the pleasure to announce the completion of the formation of the municipal councils with the grace of God and with the instructions of King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan,” said Prince Miteb, minister of municipal and rural affairs, while announcing the names of both elected and nominated members.
The announcement came eight months after landmark municipal elections that were held to pick half the members of 178 municipal councils. A total of 592 people have been elected through the polls, which started in the Riyadh region on Feb. 10, 2005.
Saudis in the Eastern and Southern regions went to polls on March 3 in the second phase while those in the Western and Northern regions voted in the final phase on April 21.
Prince Miteb said the “free and fair” municipal elections drew world applause, including the appreciation of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. “I take this opportunity to commend the maturity and understanding displayed by our citizens by exercising their right to vote,” he said.
The minister urged the elected and appointed members of the councils to work hard with responsibility for the development of their respective areas. “Not only the citizens but also the whole world are monitoring your performance,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the prince as saying.
The ministry has created a separate department to provide a broad framework within which the municipal councils will function, according to Dr. Ibrahim Al-Quayid, an elected member of the Riyadh Municipal Council.
The following are the members of Riyadh Municipal Council: The Riyadh mayor, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Quayid, Dr. Suleiman Al-Rashoudi, Dr. Saud Al-Namir, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Humaid, Abdullah Al-Suwailem, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Omari, Abdullah Al-Obaikan, Abdullah Al-Suwailem, Omar Basudan, Tarek Al-Qassabi, Dr. Farhat Tashkandi, Mashari Muammar and Dr. Misfer Al-Bawaredi.
