When western donor countries hope that countries ravaged by conflict – such as Congo, Iraq or Afghanistan – will become democracies, what they really mean is this: they must hold elections, preferably on the western model, with voting booths, ballot papers and ballot boxes; with parties, campaigns and coalitions; with lists of candidates, polling stations and sealing wax, just like we do.
And the plaintiffs want action fast, preferably by the 2002 midterm election rather than the 2004 date that many state and federal officials find more realistic.
The record of Mr Straw and his colleagues in office was to campaign half-heartedly at best during European elections, and preferably to avoid throughout any mention of Europe – with the dismal outcomes that we all remember.
During Magnus's reign a national law code was established (c. 1350), providing for the election of the king, preferably from among the royal sons, and a new town law code was written that gave the German merchants considerable privileges.
If so, this is therefore the moment for a new Palestinian leadership, preferably chosen by election, to call Mr Sharon's bluff (see article).
But the president's campaign office said he would take part in a debate nearer to the election, scheduled for Aug. 20, preferably on state-run television.
According to reports, they are not only seeking a much bigger cut in troop numbers this year up to 8,000 than the armed forces hoped to get away with; Mr Obama's men also want a firm schedule for reversing the rest of the surge, preferably well before election day.Their case is strengthened by the growing discontent over the war.
The official creditors will stump up as little cash as they can get away with; and the problem of tackling Cyprus's debt burden will be left for another day (preferably after German elections this autumn).
But Venezuela's future must be decided by Venezuelans, preferably through democratic elections.
