I am suffering from post-election blues.
Kuwait cable political talk shows and campaign events were quite addictive.
Now all the stations are playing second rate tv serials and tepid music videos. Some have gone offline. Even SCOPE TV is so desperate to hold on to its audience it hired a young Egyptian lady to co-host with Ahmed Al-Fadhli.
Well at least we have INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL to look forward to this weekend.
I wasn't particularly overjoyed with the election results, although I did relish the fact that HADAS (Islamic Constitutional Movement) lost 3 seats, some interesting progressive individuals such as Saleh Al-Mulla and Mohamed Abdeljader won seats, alongside the old favorites Ali Al-Rashid, Adil Al-Sarawi, Abdullah Al-Roumi, Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Mohamed Al-Sager, among others.
Aseel Al-Awadhi came very close to knocking Nasser Al-Sane off the #10th position in the 3rd District, it was a great showing on her part; she single-handedly carried her party's torch almost to the finish line, while her partners (who were expected to 'carry' her) Khalid Al-Khalid and Faisal Al-Shaye bit the dust, way behind her. I cannot help but think the 'National Democratic Alliance' miscalculated its candidate choices and distribution of said candidates; certainly Abdulmohsin Al-Medaj, who lost in the 1st District seemed isolated and in need of more support from his party. Abdulrahman Al-Anjari, a popular, smart 'Alliance' candidate would have served the party more efficiently in either the 1st or 3rd District instead of the bloodbath at the 2nd District, where he was in direct competition with other liberals (i.e. Ahmed Diyan), members of his own party (such as Mohamed Abdeljader), and moderates (Haitham Al-Shaye, for example)
Old warhorse veterans Ahmed Al-Sadoun, Musallam Al-Barrak, Ahmed Al-Mulaifi, among others are back, and more political sparks are bound to fly.
Additionally, the fight for the Speaker's chair will be formidable, with potential challengers Ahmed Al-Sadoun, Nasser Al-Duwaila, Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Essa, and maybe Hussein Al-Huraiti vying for the position. Either way, former Speaker Jassim Al-Khorafi won't hold on to his position as effortlessly as last time.
The government is in a much more vulnerable position than it was prior to the National Aseembly being dissolved (there are loose ends hanging about...they won't just disappear into thin air). If the government doesn't deliver the Five Year Development program (i.e. hospitals, infrastructure, water and electricity) demanded by all faces of the political spectrum: Islamists, Liberals, Tribal, Shiite - and, frankly I doubt they will - a political powder keg will ignite.
In other words, I expect the life expectancy of this new Parliament to be one year (I'll see you at the polls again next Spring).
I just returned from voting, a swift, proficient and relatively effortless democratic exercise (the Interior personnel were top notch, patient and helpful to the voters).
The school I voted in was relatively bare; I did not have to wait at all (I love voting at 4pm!).
On leaving the car and proceeding by foot to the voting area, one is bombarded by dozens of electoral employees shoving candidature cards and other literature into one hand. Once one reaches the school, Interior personnel check one's Citizenship Card to make sure they haven't voted already.
On entering the educational premises you check the alphabetical lists on the wall, locate your name and 'room number' and proceed to the specified area.
Once you walk into a room - divided up into three sections: one section with approximately 15 observers, the other section with three stands for voting, and a large table with the a judge and an assistant - they proceed to examine your Citizenship Card, reading your name aloud and then handing you a ballot.
You then proceed to a stand and choose four candidates by marking a 'check' inside the box.
Voting is great, it leaves you feeling thrilled, like you did your bit for your country.
Let us hope today signifies a new, productive era for Kuwait. Tonight will tell, but either way, the public, the people, have done their bit.
Now the government needs to step up to the plate and formulate a development program for Kuwait.
I am about to venture into the wild unknown to vote (I'll post pictures and a feature later).
But for now, check out 'It's Over, I Voted' post from two years ago.
Exterior of the Surra Clinic and Cooperative (click to enlarge)
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not 'social' individual, not social in the Kuwaiti 'political animal' sense of visiting diwaniyas, campaign headquarters, and 'getting out the vote'
"What's gotten into you?" relatives and close friends ask.
But the answer is simple really...The country is in a severe state of gridlock, buffered by corruption, waste and inefficiency. Now we have no control over who the government appoints to run the country but we do have the power to make the right choice on May 17.
I have seen first-hand how the xenophobic, backward mentality of some Parliamentarians have personally affected me, notably the preparations for segregation in my kid's private school. That is just one example.
All around us, we can see that the 'situation on the ground' is getting progressively worse every year. We've reached a situation where regular citizens are pleading for more hospitals, basic services, basic needs, while the government turns a blind eye - we are one of the richest countries in the world with one of the most dilapidated network of systems and services.
It wasn't always that way.
Parliament, a democratic institution, is supposed to protect and cultivate more freedoms, not push for less. It is supposed to legislative - and if the government lacks a program - it is supposed to fill that void and push for a better tomorrow. If the State cannot fill a void, if the Parliament cannot fill a void, then a 'shadow government' will fill it, and that is exactly what has happened.
Under normal circumstances I would vote for individuals who are closest communally with a comparable background and analogous ideas - but not this time. This time I am voting for individuals of high caliber, who care about this country, who want to develop the country, individuals who recognize that oil will run out in 30-40 years and will help develop Kuwait's infrastructure, services, human resources...
I will vote for individuals who respect and love Kuwait - not those who love their perception of where they stand in Kuwait.
I will vote for courageous, sincere individuals whether the jaws of victory far elude them or not.
I choose not to negate the value of my vote or opinion.
I choose not to be cynical.
And if I dislike the results on May 17th, I will continue to value our democracy and uphold our constitutional rights.
An interesting Financial Times article by Andrew England entitled 'Kuwait Pays Price for Democracy'...
An excerpt:
"But blame has also been heaped on the state's leadership, with critics saying the executive lacks direction and strategy. Kuwait's rulers have been drawn from the al-Sabah family since the middle of the 18th century, and family members fill the key posts of crown prince and prime minister, as well as many cabinet positions.
Some Kuwaitis blame problems on feuds within the ruling family, while one parliamentary candidate proclaimed that "the family has exhausted itself and the whole of society".
"It's not the system, it's the people. How people are abusing the system or hiding behind it to not do anything," says one analyst. "People are hesitant to step up to their responsibilities, both the government and the assembly."
(LINK)
Two days left until you cast your ballot May 17th.
I'll have more to say later on but for now...do your homework, scrutinize candidates, vote your conscience.
A few days ago I attended the campaign inauguration of 2nd District candidate Mansour Al-Muharib at Dahyiat Abdulla Al-Salem. His guests included Adil Al-Sarawi and Saleh Al-Mulla.
It was a rousing event, a collective cry by the three distinguished candidates to combat corruption and to develop Kuwait's economy and infrastructure.
Scope TV's Kafia Ramadan
Adil Al-Sarawi
Al-Muharib Greeting Saleh Al-Mulla
Guests Greeting Muharib
The Al-Sager-Al-Saeedi Confrontation on Al-Rai TV
محمد الوشيح Mohamed Al-Washee from Al-Rai TV is a tough interviewer, at times his belligerent style bordering on rudeness; nevertheless, the man does his homework and his 'Election 2008' interviews are dynamic, devoid of the usual Kuwait media bullshit...
Al-Washees's candidate debates have also added to Al-Rai TV's lustre and credibility this season.
Thank you all for helping this blog hit the 1,500 number of visits a day benchmark.
Fueled by the Election coverage, it looks like 'Hilaliya' - at this rate - will garner over 15,000 Unique Visitors for May (a total of 35, 000 visits).
That's a first in its 3 year history.
Special thanks to Salem Al-Ghanim who has helped me navigate through the electoral smorgasbord of various campaign rallies and inaugurations.
Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, a professor of Philosophy at Kuwait University, currently one of eight 'National Democratic Alliance' candidates, is one of the stronger female candidates in this election.
Anyone has who has recently observed her on interviews, rallies, and in person visiting diwaniyas, can detect she is sincere, compassionate, progressive individual who feels strongly about social, civic and humanitarian issues, as well as being an avid proponent of free speech and the values of the Kuwaiti Constitution.
Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi During a 'Teaching And General Freedoms' Forum
The Parliament is in dire need of some class, pragmatism, intellect and compassion. She deserves one of your four votes in the 3rd District.
Get the vote out! for Aseel.
To become a Facebook Supporter click HERE.
A few days ago I posted a feature about Abdullah Al-Yahya, a 2nd District candidate. The following videos are of his inaugural speech at his campaign headquarters, followed by his Scope TV interview with Kafiya Ramadan.
A elderly lady always knows where her next dinner is from.
But she isn't interested in lavish banquets, broiled shrimp, lobster or grilled lamb roasts...she just wants her shawarma.
Since the onset of the electoral season, this particular lady checks her SMS messages and newspaper ads, and then promptly sends out her driver at night to search for shawarma sandwiches at any campaign headquarters, no matter what area they may be in.
The driver zooms in on the shawarma stand, usually requesting four or five shawarmas, mobile phone in hand, while his 'madam' yells into her mouthpiece condiment instructions to the beleaguered chauffeur, a man who obviously strikes terror into the heart of every caterer due to his numerous visits (sometimes more than once a night) to the campaign premises.
I wonder who 'madam' is voting for.
Reminder: Saleh Al-Mulla will be speaking at 8pm tonight at Jabriya High School For Girls ('Thawabit Albanaat' - opposite the Blood Bank).
Last week I attended Al-Mulla's stimulating, rousing campaign inauguration, featuring Adil Al-Sarawi and Mohamed Al-Naibari. Theirs was a collective cry against mismanagement, corruption, a warning to citizens and Parliamentarians to become infinitely more proactive in the development of this country.
Al-Mulla, a bright, resolute and passionate 3rd District Candidate, highlighted his campaign motto 'A New Vision For A More Beautiful Kuwait,' by urging both the Government and Parliament to cease their continuing squabbles which were "impeding the progress of Kuwait". He also spoke of the cynicism prevalent in young people today, urging them to maintain hope, to continue working for the benefit of the country and to vote wisely on May 17.
The refreshing facet concerning Saleh Al-Mulla's rousing speech was his pragmatic approach, devoid solely of the usual anti-government rhetoric. Indeed, Al-Mulla placed the blame on both parties, highlighting Parliament's inability to lead and legislate in the shadow of government neglect. "If the government has a plan to develop the country, I will support it, but if it doesn't we will take the initiative in Parliament," promised Al-Mulla.
Al-Mulla is one of the new generation of tough-minded, fearless and passionate young leaders who truly loves Kuwait.
I certainly wish him victory on May 17.
If you would like to learn more about Al-Mulla, you can access his Facebook Group and his Official Webpage.
A Kuwait Residential Neighborhood -- Wednesday, 7.5.08, 3:40pm
A female representative of a powerful 2nd District candidate showed up at someone's house in the affluent Dahyiat Abdulla Al-Salem area. A male resident answered the door.
"Hello there, I am Mr. ____'s envoy, is there anything I can help you with? Anything we might be of service to you or your family?" enquired the lady.
The astonished gentleman shot back, "Lady, this is Dahyiat Abdulla Al-Salem. Does it look like we need your help?"
What's with Al-Watan TV's continued coverage (interviews, advertisements etc) featuring HADAS (Islamic Constitutional Movement) candidates? Al-Watan TV started off its election coverage on a seemingly impartial note with interviews with Ahmed Diyan and others; however, they seemed to have switched political gears: it seems like almost every night night either Dr. Nasser Al-Sane, Mohammed Al-Busairi or others from their party are on.
Ali Al-Tarrah Interviewing Mohamed Abdulqader Jassim
With the exception of the classy, intellectual Ali Al-Tarrah - whose one-on-one interview technique is charmingly assertive - Al-Watan TV's election coverage has been the weakest of all the prime time Kuwaiti stations including Scope TV, Flash and Al-Rai, among others.
I've had some posts, for one reason or another, go directly to the 'Spam' folder.
I usually have to manually check the folder to see if there are any valid posts - amongst the thousands of spam posts such as 'Enlarge Your Cobbler,' 'Celebrity Nude Upskirt'' and 'MILFs In Action'- usually there aren't.
But if you've posted on this blog and your message isn't visible then let me know please.
I've known 2nd District candidate and former Parliamentarian Marzouq Al-Ghanim for over 20 years now so whatever I say about him is bound to be biased.
I will, however, share this snippet of information with you...When the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait occurred, thousands of people scurried to the border in order to escape. Al-Ghanim - outside Kuwait at the time, alongside his family - did the exact opposite: he infiltrated into Kuwait (at grave danger to himself) where he spent the remainder of the seven month occupation.
If that doesn't speak volumes about someone's character, I don't know what will.
Bloggers, journalists, writers, political activists, there is a limit to what we can do as individuals - but collectively we can enlighten others who plan to vote.
Even if you are "not into politics" you have to realize one thing: everything in Kuwait is political, everything orbits around it, it influences your quality of life on a daily basis: the Kafkaesque bureaucracy, the lack of business opportunities, your diminishing finances, censorship of books and films, the rise in crime, the environmental pollution ETC - its all tied to how you live and the future of your kids.
Now many Arabic-language blogs and some English-language blogs are already excelling at the election coverage with its smorgasbord of polemic side dishes, but many of you out there still have not taken a dip into the election lake. I urge the Kuwaiti Blogosphere - at least the ones who haven't touched on the upcoming elections to at least post one story about the upcoming elections, it could be a candidate profile, a television spot, an a campaign rally still, a humorous spoof...you decide.
Do your thing. The results might surprise you.
Note: You are welcome to link your posts under this thread.
A few nights ago I attended the campaign inauguration of a friend and former colleague of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2nd District candidate Abdullah Al-Yahya, whom I've always known to be a candid and fervent defender of the Kuwaiti democratic institution.
Al-Yahya spoke passionately about the deteriorating health sector, which is the backbone of his campaign, lambasting the government, laying complete responsibility at its doorstep for its "feeble, indecisive leadership" leading to the neglect of its health, education and infrastructure commitments to Kuwait.
Al-Yahya's speech was resolute, full of fervor; it was obvious to the crowd that he was a sincere candidate angry about our current predicament and concerned about Kuwait and its future.
An excerpt from the Kuwait Times newspaper:
"...The country needs the guidance of a stronger prime minister ...who will be able to choose ministers capable of taking responsibility. For the past two years, we've heard that at least nine new health centers will be built. Till today we haven't seen any. The last public hospital was built in 1981, whereas the last private hospital opened a few months ago. Does this prove that the private sector is better than the government? How can the government only build a VIP hospital? The health care sector is deteriorating," Al-Yahaya pointed out."
(LINK: Kuwait Times)
If you are interested in learning more about Al-Yahya, you can check his Official Webpage and Facebook Group.
Resources:
Al-Wasat Article (Arabic).
Al-Rai Article (Arabic).
AlAlam Alyoum Article (Arabic).
A veteran of a local civic legislative entity (currently running for Parliament) passed by a 3rd District diwaniya at the behest of the owners - who wanted some real quality time with the candidate in order to formulate their choices for the upcoming elections.
The candidate walks in at 12:15 am, salutes the diwaniya, immediately embarking on his standard ten minute speech, climaxing with "I'm ready for any questions." The owner swiftly asks, "What do you think of local and Islamic blocs who haven't really achieved anything for Kuwait the last decade? Moreover, why has Kuwait developed into such a mess, lagging behind Gulf States, where nobody even respects the law - what do you think is the appropriate solution to this dilemma?"
The candidate stands up, shoots back "The solution is vote for me," promptly making his way out of the diwaniya.
The two guys planning to vote for him swiftly changed their minds; the rest of the diwaniya astounded at the candidate's lack of political decorum.
The next few days I am going to be covering a generation of young and not-so-young bold, passionate, straight-shooting candidates such as Abdulla Al-Yahya, Saleh Al-Mulla, Mansour Al-Muharib, Marzouq Al-Ghanim, among others.
In the meantime, I have been informed that 2nd District Candidate Mansour Al-Muharib - featuring the presence of Guest Speakers and Campaigners Adil Al-Sarawi and Saleh Al-Mulla - will inaugurate his headquarters tonight (7th May ) at 8:30pm in Dahyiat Abdulla Al-Salem.
Trust me, Adil Al-Sarawi, a beacon of honesty, courage and integrity doesn't just show up to support any candidate.
Be there or be square.
The next couple of days I am going to be highlighting a few candidates that I believe would be an asset to the National Assembly. These opinions are solely my own and do not represent any entity, corporate or otherwise. Stay tuned.
I am thoroughly enjoying the run up to the Elections, the myriad of satellite shows on Scope TV, AlRai, Nabeeha Tahaluf and others, the campaign headquarter visits, the newspaper and blog articles fueled by scandals and analysis... The media is indeed helping to shape the results of the next election.
But what is the feeling out there on the streets of Kuwait? Anger, cynicism, disappointment?The 'mad prophet of the airwaves' Howard Beale (Peter Finch) howled in the classic 70s drama NETWORK, "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."
Is the Kuwaiti electorate angry enough to make a real difference on May 17th?
