tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922141959062330613.post5081675893417809923..comments2021-03-14T11:43:04.965+02:00Comments on Free Syria! Free Lebanon! (Arab Democracy): Tunisian Election Season Kicks Off - Personal Integrity and Credibility of Candidates Likely More Important than IdeologyFouad Hamdanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250340871594600594noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922141959062330613.post-28159996927884495092011-10-09T14:10:26.115+03:002011-10-09T14:10:26.115+03:00Amal asked me via facebook: "What persuades y...Amal asked me via facebook: "What persuades you that this is more about personalities than ideology? I did not get from the piece how you arrived at this conclusion. Also, there truly is not a single poll that you trust?<br /><br />My Answer:<br /><br />Most people here in Tunis say I want to vote to this party leader or that person in this independent list or party. Many say all parties are untrustworthy, still too weak, too badly organized but that politician so and so is good. Very few are clear for a party. That is why many, who are close to parties, are running as "independents" because that may raise their chances of being elected. Having a party behind you may lower your chances. Many people after decades of RCD just hate parties. In addition, many believe believe that a "strong man" (not party) is now needed. <br /><br />A few polls have been published, one funded by a wealthy businessman. Methodology is at best pathetic.<br /><br />I used to believe that Ennahda will be the strongest party (between 15 and 25 %), now I tend to believe that Pole Democratique will be strongest. Again: this is a personal feeling - mixed with a good portion of wishful thinking.<br />Note that just too many Tunisians still do not know who to vote for. Note that the election campaign officially started a few days ago; almost all candidates just started to campaign and meet people. <br /><br />The results of October 23 will be very exiting. That's for sure. History in the making.Fouad Hamdanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16250340871594600594noreply@blogger.com