In what is being called a historic step, women in Saudi Arabia are registering themselves to vote in the upcoming municipal elections for the first time. The Saudi Arabia women have taken this step in order to be a part of the electoral process.
Two women from Mecca and Medina registered themselves as voters on Monday and became the first women to do so in Saudi Arabia. Around a third of the 1,263 voting centres are being set aside for female voters in the kingdom, according to the Saudi Gazette.
Now women can also apply for the candidature in the electoral polls which are scheduled to commence in December. Talking about this pleasant change, a first-time voter, Afnan Linjawi, a Saudi writer said, "I didn't expect this to happen so soon." She also said that the credit of this initiative goes to the local female leaders who have been constantly advocating this move, she also appreciated King Salman for approving the initiative, Al Jazeera reported.
Commenting on certain sectors of the society in Saudi Arabia Linjawi said that they still believe tha the whole concept of women voting in the polls is a western idea. However, she feels that the initiative brings "linear advancement in women's participation" in the kingdom's politics and affairs. She said, "I guess with any change that happens, you have to face opposition."
Commenting on the move, Amnesty International termed Saudi Arabia's decision "long overdue". The organisation, however, added, "Let’s not forget that Saudi Arabian women won’t actually be able to drive themselves to the voting booths as they’re still completely banned from driving," Al Jazeera reported.
