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Topic Discussion II
Building Public Trust
Elections & Legislatures
Room 1
(19 of 21 pages)
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have been talking about democracy
and I would like to make a slight reference to the issue of elections and what do we mean by elections? In all
emergency democracies elections are there but such elections do not bear any fruits.
The status quo. What do we mean by the electoral process? It should aim at change. Change and the alternate power.
Otherwise we have to consider the current situations in this emerging democracies. If you are not frank I am afraid
that such emerging democracies would remain emerging until the day of judgement and would never be mature at any
time for all the years to come. Here in our countries it is quite obvious that the government is weak. We can never
transform into democracy unless there is a powerful civil society and unless this is a government that would safeguard
the whole process in collaboration with a civil society. Democracy is not a mere ethical issue it is, it means
interests and given consideration to interest. If a balance were not there democracy would fail. Therefore such
countries need to seek or to strike balance in all details of life, of political life of parties of elections and
all other processes.
There has also been a debate on international observers. In my viewpoint when they oversee the elections they can
never provide a report of success or progress 100% unsuccessful. Here very briefly since Mr. Chairman asked me
to wrap it up, I would like to indicate to some issue that should be solved in the emerging countries, emerging
democracies. Number one the body overseeing the electoral process, they should be 100% neutral and not biased at
all. They shouldn't be under the supervision of any party or any authority. They should be able to implement the
rule itself and nothing else. This is out of our experience and based on our experience. Because in Yemen the committee
which was established in 1993 was not biased but after that the subcommittees have been under the control of the
sovereign regime. Number four, very briefly mass media. Mass media should be independent, should be unbiased because
we all watch television but we do not give any attention to any party dailies or newspapers. When the mass media
is unbiased and independent and partner of the whole process we can safely speak of equality and also people's
contribution to the democratic process.
The public function, the civil service employment, creation of employment, job opportunities, when the government
creates opportunities, job opportunities, people would never seek any other parties. Number three, public money
and supervision of the public funds that should be geared in the proper channels because economic corruption is
conducive to corruption of the political process and undermining the whole political process. I have so many concepts
I wouldn't delve into here now, but finally, and I repeat finally, the electoral system should have this electoral
list that would help develop the party system but in the system this allows the head of local commissions that
would force people to vote in their favor. I thank you very much.
Chair: We have ten minutes. It will allow us hopefully to get the last three speakers and I have an intervention
from our Mongolian friends who have not been able to have translations and then I have a couple of quick announcements.
I would like to be able to quickly move through that so that you can get sustenance so you can eat before we do
this all again this afternoon.
Speaker: Mr. Chairman I would like to help you in managing the time because I am noticing and I appreciate
your democratic spirit and I am not going to go beyond the three minutes you gave me. I am an expert from the United
National in Electoral issues. I am used to all the remarks made here. I witnessed that in the field. I am going
to save time with my presentation and I will give you back the floor Mr. Chairman.
Chair: I think what we have in the generosity here is an offer that anybody who wants to discuss electoral
systems Mr. Nang is available to do that and I encourage you to do exactly that.
I would encourage you to take your ideas and those of you that have spoken about the issues confronting women to
the workshop I think this afternoon or tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. very much focused on that and I think there are important
contributions to be made there. Our last speaker who has promised me he will be very brief.
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