When I think of last year’s municipality elections in Saudi Arabia, I remember the squandered millions of riyals, printed programs, sheep that were slaughtered for feasts, lengthy speeches and the “gone with the wind” promises. At that time the Kingdom witnessed new and advanced election campaigns where some candidates spent unbelievable amounts of money.
Yesterday, I was searching through my old papers like a bankrupted vendor looking through his old invoices. I found a leaflet belonging to one of the winning candidates, which he had distributed during the election campaign. Curiosity forced me to read the leaflet again. I enjoyed reading his promises of taking full responsibility and fulfilling them if he wins the elections. He won and since his victory nobody has heard about him or about the council he belongs to.
I was hoping that our media outlets would still highlight issues relating to the election even though the campaigns have ended and the candidates have been chosen. People deserve to know about the achievements that the elected members have accomplished. Or at least be able to gauge the gap between the promises and reality. Nothing has happened, and meanwhile the candidates have remained silent and their promises have disappeared. Reality has proved that their promises were merely empty talk but people will continue waiting to see them materialize in the next three years.
I believe that voters have the right to question winning candidates who appear so quiet and silent. They have every right to ask about the appealing promises that have never materialized. They also need to know why municipal council members have not made use of the powers they have been given in order to serve the people they represent.
Voters would also like to know the reasons that have prevented them from hearing or reading news about these councils and their meetings.
The one lesson we have learned from this electoral experience is to be wary. Voters should develop more awareness when making choices. Campaign slogans must no longer be deceptive. Voters should make a choice based on independent opinion and according to facts.
My question remains unanswered: What do we know about municipality councils? How did the members forget about their campaigns and promises so quickly? Were the elections worth all the hassle?
