Don't vote blindly if you can help it - Arab News

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Evidently in the run-up to the elections in Riyadh, some candidates formed a group supported by a number of self-appointed, self-styled religious scholars. Instead of projecting the candidates’ views, giving us an idea of their future plans for the municipality and allowing us to do a thorough check into their experience and qualifications — which would surely indicate their ability to do the job — the group took the easy route and, using the scholars’ endorsement, made it plain that it was every citizen’s duty, and even religious obligation, to support them.
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This in itself may not matter because in a democratic election, anyone can be a candidate and no one should question the sincerity of those aspiring to office. What is disturbing, however, is that the group, instead of canvassing and making their views and stances known to the public, has taken refuge in the statements of a group of scholars whom we do not know and are unfamiliar with.

I say in all frankness and honesty, as someone who loves his country, that this kind of behavior is wrong and will do nothing to help in the development of a society in which diverse opinions are not only needed but also should be encouraged.
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