DEMOCRATIC RHETORIC FORCES DEMOCRATIC REALITY:

A democratic kick at the evil twins: Saudi Arabia has broken a taboo. Until a year ago talk of elections was regarded as sacrilegious (Amir Taheri, 3/12/05, Times of London)

[T]hese elections represent an historic event.

There are several reasons for this. First, a big taboo has been broken. Until a year ago all talk of elections was regarded as sacrilegious. Conservatives argue that Muslim societies do not need elections because they have the tradition of shoura or consultation. This means that the “benevolent despot” consults those with expertise and then takes the best decision. The idea of elections, with competing opinions and candidates, punctures that doctrine. Elections are an at least implicit recognition of the basic principles of democracy: that citizens are entitled to a say in decisions that concern their lives. Unsurprisingly, religious conservatives denounced the elections as a sign that “the disease of democracy” is spreading to the heartland of Islam. They quote an Arab proverb: “When the head of the camel enters the tent, the rest is bound to follow.”

The second reason why the Saudi exercise is important is that it has revealed no significant popular opposition to the elections. The fear that Islamists would use elections to widen their following has proved groundless. Most Saudis seem to like elections and, far from complaining, look set to ask for more. That elections are popular is illustrated by the fact that it has drawn candidates from all generations, the oldest being 91 and the youngest 25, and all backgrounds.

The third point is that these elections offer the first glimpse of an enfranchised Saudi middle class, operating free of the constraints and confines of traditional tribal politics. Much has been written about these new middle classes, transformed from poverty-stricken desert-dwellers to wealthy citizens of modern metropolises within two generations. But this is the first time that we have seen what happens when they are offered a share in political power.

Last but not least, the elections have enriched the Saudi political vocabulary. Here are some of the new words and phrases never heard in the kingdom even a year ago: elections, campaigning, canvassing, public opinion surveys, focus groups, debates, platforms, voting, candidates, voters, polling station, ballot paper, ballot box, monitors, transparency, accountability, reform and renovation.

Talk about the need for democratic legitimacy and soon your people require it of you.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 14, 2005 5:53 PM