A First Step Toward Negotiations

By Sol Schindler

Yes, of course. The more the better. It may be too obvious for me to write that elections are part of the foundation of democracy, but if we, as Americans, are sincere in wishing to see democracy spread, we should encourage free elections whenever possible.

As to the kind of election to have, logic dictates to begin at the beginning, with municipal elections. There is a pattern to this, municipal elections have been held in the past, and it is the sort of election upon which both the Israelis and the inhabitants of the occupied territories can agree.

The results of the election should not surprise anyone. I imagine certain prominent figures will be re-elected, as is the custom, and the winning candidates will have a high degree of identification with the PLO.

But if I already know what the results of the election will be, why do I think they should occur? Aside from the remote possibility that I might be wrong—there is always a first time, you know—municipal elections are overdue. They should occur because it is their time, and they can also serve as an affirmation of what the people want. Also, the elections can be educational simply as a process.

The mechanics of the election might follow previous patterns which have for the most part been effective and acceptable. The government of Israel has said that it would welcome foreign observers, I believe it would be enormously helpful if Egypt, which as a signatory of the Camp David agreements has a vested interest in elections, could play an active role. The Egyptian government, however, might find reasons why it could not participate. If so, then one would have to fall back on the professional neutrals, so to speak, the Swedes, Irish, Fiji Islanders, et al. In any case, since the entire process will no doubt be under the telephoto lens of the media, and it is to the advantage of everyone concerned that the elections be as free of coercion and as inclusive as possible, I imagine they will be.

They will also provide people with whom the Israelis can—even must—negotiate.

Municipal elections, of course, will provide more than just functionaries for municipal offices. They will provide elected leaders who have the confidence and trust of their constituents. They will also provide people with whom the Israelis can—even must—negotiate. Some of these leaders will be self-proclaimed members of the PLO, and thus the question of whether Israel will negotiate with the PLO will become moot. The unimaginable on both sides will have come to pass. Arabs and Israelis will be talking to each other, a precondition for eventual peace.

It is possible that these elections will have to be followed by other elections or referenda. So much to the good. Let the election process continue until it does indeed become a habit.

What is not needed are rigid preconditions which put the whole process in jeopardy. Elections are a first step to negotiations, not the final act. There is a long way to go before true peace arrives, and it can be achieved only by the people on the spot, in face-to-face encounters, with mutual concessions. Elections can be a healthy beginning, and it would be promising if planning for them could begin soon.

Sol Schindler is a retired Foreign Service officer who writes and lectures on international affairs.