NOTE: Azad-Hye was a free stage for constructive criticism from the beginning. Below is a comment posted by Hevasbar Enger (nickname) on 11 March 2003 criticizing the Legislative Council Elections in Kuwait, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, which took place in December 2002. Judging from what is written then, we can say that the situation has not changed in our community. Armenia however, managed to achieve free and democratic parliamentary elections this year.
The corner of a shabby club
I thought to compare the Elections in Armenia with the Legislative Council (Temagan) Elections in Kuwait, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. In the period of ten years since the independence, Armenians inside the fatherland seem to have learned more than we have learned during the entire one hundred years outside. I am not saying that the Elections over there were completely legal (they were far below the European Standards), but at least the participation was large and the re-elected President had only one final 5 years to rule. Also there was no taxation for voting.
Unfortunately the recently held Temagan Elections had been reduced to a sick pastime of a bunch of people who claim they are serving their nation. In a healthy society the only place for such people would be the corner of a shabby club.
All we need in Kuwait, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi is to help our children to learn more Armenian and assist some needy individuals and families to survive the difficulties they are facing. Could we just re-organize in order to achieve our goals.
Hevasbar Enger
