JEDDAH — Saudi academics and former municipal council members have said that the local bodies have failed to play their desired role in accelerating progress of residential districts and solving problems of citizens. They said the previous experience has showed the weakness of the councils and non-viability as they work like a branch of the municipality or mayoralty without having necessary powers to carry out their mission effectively. Some others said most councils have failed to make use of the powers vested in them, a local daily reported. However, some experts said municipal councils, being a new experiment in the Kingdom, should be given more time to prove their worth and success. "We expect in the coming phase, municipal councils will play a more active role, realizing the hopes and aspirations of voters." Dr. Ehab Al-Sulaimani, a consultant, expressed pessimism about municipal bodies. "We have not seen them playing an effective role in society. On the other hand, we see its members like employees under the mayor or municipal chairman," he pointed out. He said the municipal councils have so far failed in solving social and economic problems facing citizens. "They need powerful candidates capable of addressing problems of citizens and taking their voice to government officials and other decision-makers." Al-Sulaimani also accused that one-third of the council members do not attend its meetings. "I have got an opportunity to attend one of its meetings and found that many members were absent. This shows that members do not value the council's meetings." Najeeb Yamani called for disbanding municipal councils, saying it is a waste of time, money and energy. "I have not seen the local bodies making any tangible contribution in the past years. Many people do not know who their council members are." Yamani said he does not see the participation of council members in social events such as Eid and National Day. They don't work with members of the district and they don't have any role in maintaining the cleanliness of public gardens and parks. He said a council member was supposed to work to realize the hopes and aspirations of people who voted for him. He should have also met with district members to know their problems and requirements. Dr. Hala Hakeem, a candidate in the Dec. 12 election, said municipal councils are aimed serving the people. "I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for allowing women to vote and contest civic polls. It will not only empower women but also enable them to make greater contribution to the country's progress and prosperity." She said men and women as individuals have great capabilities, which should be tapped for boosting the nation's growth. "They are partners in progress. No nation can progress without the joint endeavors of its men and women," she added. Hakeem believed that local bodies can change the face of municipalities by learning lessons from past mistakes. Hassan Al-Zahrani, an engineer and a former vice president of a municipal council, said: "We should not make hasty judgment about local bodies. They can play an important role in improving municipal services." He said he had learned a lot from his participation in the Jeddah Municipal Council by confronting challenges and solving many problems. "I also got an opportunity to work with service sectors outside the municipality." 31 women opt out of poll race Abdulhadi Al-Suwaiyan Okaz/Saudi Gazette MADINAH — A total of 31 women candidates have opted out of the race in the municipal council polls in December, the Higher Elections Committee has announced. Official spokesman of the committee, Jidai Al-Qahtani, said 1,071 women candidates were in the fray in all regions and provinces of the Kingdom. "About 75 percent of the municipal councils have a comfortable number of women candidates. Now that 31 candidates have withdrawn, the total number of women candidates is 1,040. The withdrawal did not drastically harm or affect the elections," said Al-Qahtani. He added every one has the right to withdraw his/her candidature. "Many candidates gauge their popularity during the campaigning period. If they see no remarkable strength, they tend to withdraw and save themselves some time. Others may persevere and stick around till the last," said Al-Qahtani. He also said the total number of men candidates is over 6,400 in all regions of the Kingdom. "There are men candidates who have withdrawn as well. I have received complaints saying the expenses of campaigning are high. However, the ministry has granted a budget of SR50 to SR500 to help in campaigning. Candidates do not need more than that to campaign," said Al-Qahtani. He added the committee is always open to receive suggestions and complaints from the candidates and the general public. "The elections are still ongoing. Candidates still have the chance to campaign and prove their usefulness to their followers and supporters," said Al-Qahtani. He added the committee runs an evaluation session on an annual basis. "We update the Election Charter on an annual basis. We follow the same procedure as is there in several others countries all over the world. Candidates still have room to win over the general public," said Al-Qahtani.
