San Diego, California - News of the unprecedented recall in California has reached tribal elders in the newly democratic country of Afghanistan.  Once the stronghold of the totalitarian Taliban regime, few in this country understand the unique challenges of making a democracy successful.  Their concern: How can persons of differing cultures, leadership styles, and opinions work together to solve real problems.

Badi Badiozamani (www.Badiozamani.com), an independent candidate and participant in the Candidates Coalition, has been honored by a request to put together a select team of Coalition members to travel to the very heart of Afghanistan and hold seminars on the democratic process.  When asked why the request did not include any of the popular candidates, Dr. Badiozamani, a founder of the Center for East-West Understanding, commented, "The Candidates Coalition has brought us together with a common goal of promoting the democratic process.  As a group we have overcome the traditional party lines and even our differences regarding the recall.  We have shown the world that the voters' need for information about their candidates is more important than limiting their selection by a one or two party system."

He continued by pointing out that the first group of five candidates represents three different

political parties and all have a Doctorate level education.  "It is incredible that the political process in America is so blinded by history that top candidates are recognized in a newly emerging democracy while they are ignored by their own press."

The Candidates Coalition was the brainchild of Jon Zellhoefer and has evolved into an organization that will continue as a non-profit think-tank dedicated to the improvement of the democratic process after the election.

POSITION STATEMENT

Recall Candidates to Assist in Promoting Democracy

Members of the Candidates Coalition, by unanimous consensus, will form a non-profit corporation dedicated to the improvement of the democratic process.  The activities of the group will not be limited to California.

Formed out of a common desire to provide the voters in the California Recall 2003 election unfiltered information about the 135 candidates, the group has attracted over 70 candidates to participate at some level.  With candidates representing a very diverse set of priorities and perspectives, reaching consensus was difficult, but by the end of the meeting the group was solid in its resolve to continue to develop new and effective alternatives to traditional campaign practices.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Badi Badiozamani summarized, “Democracy can not exist when it depends on which candidate can raise the most money or obtain the backing of special interest groups.  We do not want to see the corrupted style of American politics spread to new emerging democracies.  Members of our coalition are eager to share their experiences with others even at their own expense and personal time.

Within California, the coalition will seek new ways for candidates running for all offices to reach the voters.  The group does not advocate any ideology or support any party.  Members are limited to the 135 candidates that placed themselves on the recall ballot.  This was an event that may never be repeated, it is only fitting that those that took the initiative should have a special position in history.”

Additional information on the coalition may be obtained by e-mail from Badi@Badiozamani.com

Phone: 858.382-2200

Fax: 858.484-1472