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On the eve of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" that are to be unveiled in Lisbon this Saturday, many scholars are questioning the contest's validity and reliability, pointing out that the organizer is under suspicion of using the event for personal financial gain.

The Beijing Morning Post on Thursday reported that lots of people have criticized the voting process, saying it was far from perfect.

It's being said that of the 21 historical sites from different countries that were included on the shortlist, people have tended to vote only for those site(s) in their own country, instead of seriously considering the really qualified ones. This potential for national patriotism will certainly have an impact on the competition's outcome and reliability.

Egyptian antiquities expert Zahi Hawass pointed out that the "New Seven World Wonders" should have been suitably organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, under strict standards and with appraisal from worldwide experts, rather than by the private initiative of businessman, Bernard Weber.

Even worse, UNESCO, for its part, never confirmed that it would support the seven-year long event. In fact, a statement released by the organization on June 20 clarifies its stance, saying that there is no comparison between Mr. Weber's campaign and UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Another controversial aspect is whether or not the event's organizer is making use of the Seven Wonders global "appeal" for commercial gains.

Over 90 million votes have been cast in the competition. Online voting is for free, but it only allows each person to vote once. People without access to the internet, however, have been encouraged to pay international rates and vote by telephone or text message. Those keen to cast multiple votes can register for a further vote online, by purchasing a "certificate" at 2 US dollars a pop.

Moreover, it's been predicted that the New Seven Wonders Foundation might receive up to 6.37 million euros in revenue by selling tickets to the unveiling ceremony at Lisbon's Benfica's Stadium of Light on July 7. Not to mention the considerable income that will be generated from selling off TV relay rights. A Mexican newspaper has drolly commented that: "It's a quite fresh way of earning money."

However, Tia B. Viering, spokeswoman for the "New Seven Wonders of the World" campaign, tried to explain to the Beijing Morning Post on Thursday the reasons for the campaign. Viering said world heritage and historical places belong to all of mankind, everyone has the right to select their favorite, especially through means of voting.

As to the commercial question, she said the organizer have already put more than 10 million euros into the campaign. She insisted it is a non-profit organization, one which will use the proceeds of paid-for voting and other income to cover daily costs and future promotion and protection work of the "New Seven Wonders".

The "New Seven Wonders" contest was instigated by Swiss businessman, Bernard Weber, at the turn of the millennium. The panel of experts, chaired by the former director general of UNESCO, Dr. Federico Mayor, short-listed nominations according to those who received the most votes by the end of 2005, narrowing the list down to 21 finalists in 2006.

As the massive polling draws to a close, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum in Rome and Peru's Machu Picchu are leading contenders to be on the list.

The President of Portugal will attend the unveiling ceremony on Saturday evening.

(CRI.com July 6, 2007)