Democracy versus Elections

President Bush has made democracy a prerequisite of his support for a Palestinian state. With the Palestinians holding elections in a few weeks, there will be much pressure to declare them democratized as a result and therefore ready for the next step. Obviously democracy involves a lot more than simply holding an election. Meyrav Wurmser believes that elections should not occur now, and should wait for a free society to be built first.

On the surface, elections appear to be a step that will further Palestinian democracy and President Bush's vision of a free and democratic Palestinian society. In reality, however, the election, scheduled for January 9, 2005, would be part of the smoke and mirrors that is Palestinian politics. It would merely dress an enduring dictatorship with democratic robes.