SANTA FE, New Mexico: At the Obama headquarters in Santa Fe, our group of nine Arab women participating in the US Election Management Program lived the American celebrations of the historic announcement of Barack Obama’s election as the next president of the United States.
The campaigners and volunteers gathered all night around TV screens to witness the announcements of their leaders and the elected officials of the state of New Mexico. Among us was New Mexico Secretary of State Mary Herrara, the second highest-ranking Hispanic elected official in the country, who we had met earlier in her office. She shared with us her journey from a government clerk and typist to her present post as secretary of state. She had charm and was certainly an inspiration to all women who want to run for public office.
Celebrating his victory was Senator-elect Tom Udall who gave up his US House seat to run for the Senate. He was cheered by the elated audience and gave an emotional speech thanking his family and well-wishers for the support. He promised to continue to serve the interests of his community. Also present was the mayor of Santa Fe who greeted everyone and shared in the jubilations of the excited and much-relieved audience of the Obama campaign volunteers.
The accessibility of the officials and the spirit of the volunteers in the Obama campaign was a true inspiration for all of us. We could not help but admire the environment and the glory of the moment.
If only Arab officials could practice some humility in order to better serve their country and learn some of the democratic mechanisms of the charismatic leaders who are behind the success of the superpower of the world today.
It has certainly been an empowering experience to participate in this program. The enthusiasm of the people was dynamic and electric. New Mexicans waited in lines in gymnasiums, town halls, county houses and many other public places designated for people to cast their vote for their next president. They were keen to elect their state representatives and officials who they see more fit to lead.
Despite the diversity of a Hispanic and Native American majority and the passion of each voter for his party, there was order and respect. People were encouraged to vote early, and they waited patiently in line before Election Day to make sure that their votes were counted.
The voting process was conducted in a very organized manner. We were mesmerized as we watched Santa Fe county clerk Valerie Espinosa conduct the early voting process at the county courthouse. We lived the experience of the American voters waiting patiently and quietly in line and following the instructions of county staff members on what is required directing each voter to his designated booth. Espinosa was very gracious and took time to answer our questions to explain her role as county clerk catering to the needs of the county’s residents.
It was amazing to watch the county staff eager to provide information about polling places and explaining to each and everyone how to register to vote to ensure that everyone understood the procedures to avoid any confusion in the election process. There were detailed instructions and materials written in English and Spanish providing voter guidelines. Even people with disabilities were provided with special procedures and an opportunity to vote. Catering to everybody’s needs, the discipline and respect practiced by all and the friendliness of the staff were things we sometimes miss back home.
It is time we acknowledge that the attitudes of some of our officials and the manners of the majority of the public is the reason behind our inefficiencies, incompetence and the indifference practiced at work.
The visit to the Municipal League was also very impressive. It was of particular interest to our Saudi team since our country will be holding municipal elections next year. We were able to compare notes to learn how American municipalities conduct their business. We met with the longest-serving member who is considered the dean of Municipal Leagues. He explained the unique nonpartisan role of the league, the role of municipalities and how municipal elections are on a different schedule.
Municipal elections are held every two years, and each municipality runs its own elections.
There are 103 municipalities in New Mexico, and every municipality is a member of the league. The league is governed by a board of directors. It provides advice, training and technical assistance for all. It also assists municipal clerks in their elections and offers workers’ compensation and provides insurance and inquiry services. The municipal clerk conducts and administers the elections. Every city has a mayor, and all council members are elected. Districts divide the city, and there are two city council members who represent the district. You have to be a resident of the district to run for election. The league includes the city clerk, the city manager, the municipal official leaders’ institute, which provides in-depth training for officials to become good public servants, the president of the Police Association and the City Managers Association. It also has a number of publications, a manual for municipal clerks, a guidebook of laws and regulations, public-safety planning and a pocket guide for municipal officials.
At the end of the meeting we could not help but think how much we need the services of such a league to support our municipalities and how it could serve to train and assist our officials to become better leaders and teach them how to run our local governments more efficiently.
The strong civic sense among Americans and the hope that Obama brings for a better future was the reason why the majority voted for him. The American people had suffered a great deal during the Bush administration. They were not happy about their negative image in the world and the militaristic policies that have harmed several parts of the world. Everywhere we went and everyone to whom we spoke were eager to see an end to the Bush era. They wanted the world to know that they want peace, and they seek to re-establish friendship with countries and allies that have been lost.
Obama supporters believe in his leadership, and they used the system and the elections process wisely to effect change. America was looking for change, and that is why there was a huge voter turnout to ensure their voices were heard.
This year’s American elections will go down in history as a historic election where citizen participation, sound leadership and campaign management contributed to the success of a man who carries with him the hopes of his people and the hopes of the free world.
The American people proved to all of us today that democracy works. If it doesn’t work for us it is because of us, and it is up to us to figure out why.
— Samar Fatany is a Saudi radio journalist.
