Saudi Arabia: men of religion expects Islamists to win the elections
Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/23/2005

It seemed on Friday that Islamist candidates for the municipal elections in Saudi Arabia, who are supported by the men of religion, are inclined to achieve a great victory in Jeddah, the same as in most of the cities in the two first phases in this election process.

Officials results for the last phase are expected to appear today in the western and southern governorates. However, partial results after selection of many ballot boxes in Jeddah indicate that candidates of "the golden list" are the winners.

One of the likely winners stressed "the nomination of the Sheikhs for the Islamists lists came as a result of the active campaign" basically launched by the 7 Islamists candidates in contrary to their liberal opponents.

Businessman and journalist Najm Eddine Zafer, the candidate for one of the seven seats in Jeddah said that "the golden list is inclined to achieve a great victory." The likely winners launched the elections separately in each of the seven circles in the city and got as a group that support of the influential men of religion. Zafer said "the businessmen and intellectuals were negative while the Islamists were organized," noting that the Islamists had won also in "Riyadh and in al-Dammam," one of the major cities in the eastern region in the first phases.

Previous Stories:
  Demands for the release of Bin Zaer   (4/21/2005)
  Chirac commends Saudi reforms, support Saudi efforts against terrorism   (4/14/2005)
  Second phase of Saudi municipal elections started   (3/4/2005)
  Saudi Arabia might permit women to vote shortly; Straw urges reform   (2/24/2005)

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