Silver LiningVictory for democracy [Archives:2006/962/Opinion]
Mohammed Al-Qadhi
I believe the decision of the Joint Meeting Parties opposition coalition to name a candidate for the upcoming presidential elections due for September is an important event in the history of Yemen's politics and democracy. It is a step forward for the democratization drive, laying the foundation for a better future. I will here remind you of what I said more than a year ago, that without real competition between the opposition and the ruling party, our emerging democracy will come into a standstill and people will lose heart in the possibility of making any change through democracy. They will hold the opinion that it was just a ploy.
The people have the right to do so because they are used to find weak fragmentations of political parties which could not do anything. They just remained a decoration for beautifying the image of the political system before the international community.
The people in Yemen and the diplomatic community used to laugh when they heard talks and mere talks from the opposition leaders who did not have ownership over their decisions. The compromises they used to make with the authorities have substantially halted democracy and even caused its drawback. But, it seems now the situation is completely different. We should tell them you have done a laudable job to boost the democratization drive ahead.
The question of naming a candidate for the presidential elections was really a hard and tough decision which the opposition was hesitant about. The opposition leaders have faced a lot of pressure, harassment and even sometimes attractions since they came up with their written initiative for political reform last year. However, good deeds require sacrifice.
The announcement of the opposition candidate Faisal Bin Shamlan last Sunday is considered a remarkable event for Yemen's democracy. Robin Madrid, NDI country representative was right when she told me that it is something that you Yemenis should be proud of.
Now, it is the responsibility of both the ruling party and the opposition to take this step forward and show us a real contest and debate over genuine issues that are of concern to the people. However, the guarantee for a fair play to take place is particularly the main task of the government which is able to neutralize the army, the state-run media as well as accept the arguments posed by the opposition candidate with open heart as a basic element of any fair race.
The opposition has decided to challenge Saleh and it should, therefore, be ready for the consequences of this decision. It should not keep mute to any violations of the game rules and then start complaining. It should argue and defend its rights to have its candidates given equal opportunity to address the public through the state broadcast media and challenge him freely and fairly.
It does not matter who wins, but having fair play means a real victory for democracy. I hope this will be allowed to take place for the sake of Yemen and its future. Will you do it guys?!
Mohammed Al-Qadhi is a Yemeni journalist and columnist.
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