Asterisk aside, first national vote for Saudis - NYT

It is not exactly a democratic revolution - the election is for only half the members of municipal councils and women may not vote. Still, Saudi Arabia embarks on its first nationwide elections on Thursday and the exercise may end up being more than symbolic.

Until now, the country's authoritarian founding dynasty, the al-Sauds, have rejected even the notion of sharing power, imprisoning and lashing those who dare carry out virtually any public protest. So the entry of elected public figures into the government even at an extremely low level introduces an unpredictable element into the equation of how this desert kingdom is ruled.

'Despite its drawbacks,' said Abdel Aziz al-Qasim, a political activist and former judge, 'this is the first time that people can really participate in public life outside the mosques.'

One change that is already tangible is the sheer exuberance of the newly minted candidates, who in a uniquely Saudi manner transformed this often dreary capital with its ban on bars, movie theaters or dance clubs. With almost 100 men running for each of the seven available seats, the candidates resembled carnival barkers in their often outlandish attempts to draw potential voters into their election tents.

They slaughtered countless camels and sheep to feed the voters. They offered all manner of religious clergy giving advice on everything from why Islam condones democracy to how to take a second wife without actually living with her.

They lighted bonfires and bounced powerful spotlights off tall city buildings.

Let's note the date, check back in a year.