|
The municipal
elections provide an opportunity for the citizen to participate in the decision
making through election of those qualified and have experience and expertise in
the administration of municipal services at the place where he resides.
the Elections
Concept
The election concept generally means: a group of citizens eligible to vote,
practice voting to elect the candidates they deem deserve their confidence,
within a systematic process which draws upon an internationally adopted election
system.
The purpose and importance of Municipal elections: They are very important due
to the importance of popular participation in the administration of municipal
services. This is because, popular participation is an important factor in the
rationale of the government decisions and help achieve the welfare of citizens.
In addition, popular participation places the citizen in common responsibility
with official departments; a matter that increases awareness and initiative
personality of citizens who should accomplish their duties towards their country
through active constructive participation that protects higher national and
popular welfare at the same time. The elections process itself has a direct
impact on setting the principles of justice and equality and confirming the
loyalty and citizenship factor.
The Council of Ministers Resolution No, 224 dated 17/8/1424H ensured widening of
popular participation in decision making as the first item states: " widening
the popular participation in the administration of local affairs through
elections, by the activation of municipal councils in accordance with the
Regulations of municipalities and villages, provided half of each municipal
council members are to be elected."
Thus, the active participation in the municipal elections with keenness and
consideration of the citizen to the common responsibility with the government
reflects civilization, development and security of his country. Elections will
be a means for the formulation of municipal councils which represent important
axes in the local administration and fostering popular participation in decision
making and enhancing the level of services according to the real needs, desires
and ambitions of citizens.
Steps of the
election process:
A- Electors Enrolment: This is the
first phase of the process of elections. Eligible citizens are registered in
special "Elector rosters". This procedure is carried out during a specific
period of time at election centers set up within the district of the municipal
council. After finishing the enrolment phase starts the publication of electors
lists enabling those concerned to review, for a specific period of time then
contestations and corrections will be allowed. Enrolment is not compulsory but
who fails to enroll during the prescribed period of time looses his right to
vote.
B- Candidates registration: Enrolment
for candidacy is allowed after electors enrollment phase is over, because to
practice this right, the application for candidacy must be registered in the
electors' roster. Candidate registration is very important for the election
process and essential for the organization of candidacy process to limit the
irresponsible candidacy. That is why candidacy enrolment will be during a
specific period of time and according to specific procedures prior to issuance
and publication of candidate lists at electoral districts to enable review,
contestation, correction and final publication. The candidate is allowed five
days to withdraw his nomination starting the first publication date of candidate
lists.
C- Candidates Electoral Campaign:
After publication of the final lists of candidates they are allowed to start
their campaigns through which the electors are acquainted to them and their
programs, ideas, ambitions and future plans. It is not allowed by any means for
any candidate to start his campaign or declare his nomination before publication
of final lists of candidates. These campaigns are essential for both the
candidates and electors as they allow the voter decide which candidate he will
deem suitable to elect for the membership of the municipal council. On the other
hand, it would be a chance for the candidate to convey his message and get
acquainted to the electors. Though it is a right for them yet it is conditioned
to the rules and regulations. Campaigns must not surpass certain red lines such
as provoking sects, tribal or regional …….. Also it should not become an
opportunity for trotting over the rights and freedom of others.
D- Voting: This is the most important
axis of the election process. All the previous steps are considered preparatory
steps for the day of elections. Electors vote on this day for their selected
candidates according to prescribed procedures at the election centers where they
had enrolled. Voting will be conducted manually using electoral cards, the most
and widely used method and secures honesty and proper application. At the same
time it is easy for the electors and for accurate control and observation as
well as the possibility of rechecking and counting if necessary.
E- Counting process: This is a
systematic process which is done according to specific procedures through which
the successful candidates will be determined. This step comes after voting phase
and votes are counted at the same centers by election and vote-counting
committee members.
F-: Declaration of Results: After
counting the results are declared as for who was successful and the number of
votes scored by each candidate. By this step the election process will be
concluded except for the contestations if any and other regularity procedures.
Contestations and complaints:
Every elector or candidate has the right, within three days, to appeal to the
electoral committee for contestations and complaints at his region, on the
decisions, issued by the local electoral committee, that affect him or whether
these committees refused to take the right decision on his side. He also has the
right for contestation on any name in the list of candidates at his electoral
district for not accomplishing the prescribed conditions or on the irregularity
of abiding by the rules and regulations, within three days of publication of
lists. Each elector or candidate may ask, within five days of declaration of the
successful candidates at his electoral district, to annul election of any one of
them.
Contestations and complaints are submitted written to the chairman of the
committee for contestations and complaints in the district, with reasons
included.
|
