John Burgess posts an interesting article relating the mixed attitude of the citizenry toward the upcoming municipal elections. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has an article entitled Election fever catches on in Saudi Arabia:

Already there are unfamiliar scenes on Riyadh’s streets.

For the first time there are forums – daily meetings at candidates’ headquarters – where people can discuss social issues away from the control of religious authorities. One woman even called a candidate praising his looks and offering to be a second wife.

Candidate fliers are thrown into open car windows, and brochures are folded into newspapers.

Carpeted tents have been erected along highways, attracting potential voters with programs featuring poets, lectures by experts in municipal services and sumptuous feasts. One nutritionist even warned against consuming too much meat and rice at campaign buffets, saying the feasts could cause serious weight gain.

“Who would have thought that one day there would be candidates’ pictures in the streets? Who would have thought that one day there would be slogans urging participation in decision making?” Sulaiman al-Hattlan, a U.S.-educated columnist, wrote for Al-Watan daily.

Times of India makrs a more negative assertion. ForeignPolicy.com provides a more long-term approach toward democratization.