The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental elements of democracy. Notably, many countries did not afford women the right to vote until the 20th Century. Even today, universal suffrage is not a given right in all countries, and women often face obstacles that undermine their participation in political and electoral processes. There are various ways to support women in overcoming these obstacles. Such methods include revising the electoral system used, applying affirmative action mechanisms such as quotas, improving voter education for women and training political candidates. These are a few of the modes available to strengthen women’s political participation .Photo©Jens Franssen
Kuwait votes in a parliamentary election on Saturday, two months after the ruler of the world's fourth largest oil exporter dissolved the Islamist-dominated parliament to end a long-running dispute with the government.
Kuwaiti voters head to the polls on 16 May in an early general election triggered by the cabinet's resignation following a row with parliament.This is the third early election in less than three years and the third in which women are allowed to vote and stand for parliament.
Around 384,000 voters are expected to head to polling stations to select 50 members of Parliament tomorrow. Voters are to select from around 211 candidates vying for parliamentary seats.
Out of the 587 candidates running in the Lebanese parliamentary elections this year, only 12 are women.
Four Kuwaitis have become the first women elected to their nation's parliament, a resounding victory in a conservative Persian Gulf country where the legislature has been men-only for almost half a century.
Iraq's next general election will be held on Jan. 30, the deputy parliament speaker said Monday.
Grybauskaite declared victory on being elected the Baltic nation's first female president as early results came in on Sunday.
To read the full article please visit the Al Jazeera website.
Saudi Arabia has delayed municipal elections in which women were hoping to take part for the first time, for two years, according to state media.
The election commission of the Interior Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the eligibility of four nominees for the next presidential elections, slated for June 12.
To read the full article please visit the Al Bawaba website.