The newly elected board of directors of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) should ensure that the body helps government tackle social issues such as high prices and challenges in education, health and housing, say civil society activists.

Jamal Burhan, a member of the group known as “For the People of Jeddah,” is optimistic that some of the new board members would fulfill their campaign promises by promoting social development.

He said the new board members should address the housing situation because prices had doubled in some areas.

Burhan said the JCCI also faced criticism after the Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) 2013 for not focusing on housing issues and allegedly failing to launch any housing schemes for the city.

Omar Basa’ad, a social activist, said it was not acceptable for the private sector to ignore national issues. He said many candidates just clamored for public support for a week to collect votes.

“Where are these candidates and businessmen when citizens really need them,” he said.

A voter, Saleh Al-Rougi, who cast his ballot on Thursday evening, was optimistic about the future. He said he had never seen such a big turnout at previous JCCI board elections.

He said the elections brought together people from all walks of life to discuss key issues facing the city and country.

Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, chief of the election media center at the JCCI, said the announcement of poll results on huge television screens at the election center increased transparency.

Advanced voting and counting systems also proved to be successful, Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.

Saeed bin Zagar, Abdul Aziz Al-Suraie and Fayez Al-Harbi are the three new faces figuring on the list of six representatives from the constituency of industrialists.

Those who retained their seats on the new board are Mazin Batterji, deputy chairman of the dissolved board, and Abdullah bin Mahfouz and Ahmed Al-Marbaee.

Khalaf Al-Otaib, Fahd Al-Sulami and Nassar Al-Sulami who came from tribal backgrounds were also elected.

Several sportsmen and sports-related businessmen were excited when the name of Hassan Al-Suhafi appeared among the winners.

No member representing the traders’ constituency in the dissolved board could retain their positions except Ziyad Al-Bassam.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry will nominate six members to the 18-member board, officials said.

The minister’s list may also include some women.