01-06-2026, 07:51 PM
3.5 million cast ballots for local autonomy, says HaN, celebrating entry to Parliament
December 5730
As the dust settles on the first competitive general election in years, analysis from inside the camp of the Huriyat al-Najd (HaN, Luth: Wantuni Freedom) is optimistic.
Despite low turnout and the general strong performance of populist parties that pose "a danger to society if unchecked", exit polling showed the HaN performed best among Halawi and Zahiri minorities that have been "under represented and discriminated against", according to Abdul Maalik el-Khalili. In addition, the party won between 9 and 10% in each of the states, an unexpected but happy result that Maalik el-Khalili ascribes to "appetite for local autonomy that goes beyond specific minority interests".
It is unclear the extent to which HaN may be able to directly enact change at the national level. Phalanx and Kalopian Spring appear to have reached agreement on a governing coalition centered in a broad-ranging populism, and voters will return to the polls in two months to choose between candidates from the same parties. Still, a 10 seat entry into Parliament was larger than some had forecast for the HaN.
December 5730
As the dust settles on the first competitive general election in years, analysis from inside the camp of the Huriyat al-Najd (HaN, Luth: Wantuni Freedom) is optimistic.
Despite low turnout and the general strong performance of populist parties that pose "a danger to society if unchecked", exit polling showed the HaN performed best among Halawi and Zahiri minorities that have been "under represented and discriminated against", according to Abdul Maalik el-Khalili. In addition, the party won between 9 and 10% in each of the states, an unexpected but happy result that Maalik el-Khalili ascribes to "appetite for local autonomy that goes beyond specific minority interests".
It is unclear the extent to which HaN may be able to directly enact change at the national level. Phalanx and Kalopian Spring appear to have reached agreement on a governing coalition centered in a broad-ranging populism, and voters will return to the polls in two months to choose between candidates from the same parties. Still, a 10 seat entry into Parliament was larger than some had forecast for the HaN.