NATIONAL elections later this year could open the door to a younger generation of MPs and witness the arrival of more women on the political stage, according to two Bahrain-based observers.
However, for women to claim a greater presence in parliament they will need the backing of established political movements, says Bahrain University American Studies Centre assistant professor Dr Colin Cavell.
In the two parliaments formed since the National Assembly was convened in 2002, only one woman has won a seat having stood for election unopposed in 2006. However, Dr Cavell said 2010 could be the year for women to make their mark, but only if established political groups endorsed their nomination.
"I expect that there would be a broad participation from the existing political societies, including the running of candidates for various parliamentary seats and an increased women's presence in the National Assembly," he said.
To read the complete news story please visit Gulf Daily News.
NATIONAL elections later this year could open the door to a younger generation of MPs and witness the arrival of more women on the political stage, according to two Bahrain-based observers.
However, for women to claim a greater presence in parliament they will need the backing of established political movements, says Bahrain University American Studies Centre assistant professor Dr Colin Cavell.
In the two parliaments formed since the National Assembly was convened in 2002, only one woman has won a seat having stood for election unopposed in 2006. However, Dr Cavell said 2010 could be the year for women to make their mark, but only if established political groups endorsed their nomination.
"I expect that there would be a broad participation from the existing political societies, including the running of candidates for various parliamentary seats and an increased women's presence in the National Assembly," he said.
To read the complete news story please visit Gulf Daily News.