Polls open as women vote for the first time in Saudi Arabia elections

Voting has opened in Saudi Arabia’s first elections open to female voters and candidates. More than 5,000 men and about 980 women are standing in the poll for seats on municipal councils, the kingdom’s only elected public chambers. More than 130,000 women have registered to take part alongside 1.35 million men. The vote has been seen as a tentative step towards easing restrictions that are among the world’s tightest on women.

There are people who see women voting and running in the election as another step towards Westernisation. They dislike seeing women in public-facing roles. But I don’t think they are in the majority. The majority is either neutral or accepting

Media personality Mona Abu Suliman

Few, if any, female candidates are expected to win. However, one-third of the seats are appointed by the municipal affairs ministry, which means female candidates could still be assigned some seats. Gender segregation at public facilities meant that female candidates were unable to meet most voters - men - during their campaigns. Women also said voter registration was hindered by bureaucratic obstacles, a lack of awareness of the process and its significance and the fact that women could not drive to sign up.

This is a historical moment. I thank God I am living it.

Academic and women’s rights campaigner Hatoon al-Fassi

saudi arabia Politics