Saudis trumpet first-ever elections, Under fire rulers plan municipal vote

.By ALAN FREEMAN
Tuesday, October 14, 2003

. LONDON -- In an unprecedented move that could lead to a form of limited democracy, Saudi Arabia's absolute rulers announced yesterday that the kingdom intends to hold its first-ever elections -- a vote for municipal councils.

The decision follows external pressure on the oil-rich kingdom and growing pressure for internal political reform after a series of terrorist incidents that clearly unnerved the ruling al-Saud family.

In a statement, the Saudi cabinet said it had decided to "widen the participation of citizens in running local affairs through elections, by activating municipal councils, with half the members of each council being elected." It said the move was part of a process of reform aimed at increasing "accountability in all internal affairs."

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"It means people will have more say in local affairs," he said. "It will mean more accountability."

But Said al-Fagih, a leading Saudi dissident, said the move will be meaningless if the kingdom continues to stifle freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. He noted that Syria has elected representatives, but no real democracy."

HMmmmmm -

Sounds a little like Murikkka !