The kingdom’s lawmaking body has approved preliminary measures to allow women to vote, though they still can’t drive.
Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council (an Islamic advisory committee serving King Abdullah) has recently recommended that women be allowed to vote in general elections. The recommendation has been presented to the King and awaits approval.
Election commissioners and regional ministers, however, have expressed resistance to allowing women to participate in the upcoming round of voting, citing logistical problems with delaying the election to set up gender-segregated polling facilities. Municipal elections are scheduled for September 29.
The kingdom’s lawmaking body has approved preliminary measures to allow women to vote, though they still can’t drive.
Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council (an Islamic advisory committee serving King Abdullah) has recently recommended that women be allowed to vote in general elections. The recommendation has been presented to the King and awaits approval.
Election commissioners and regional ministers, however, have expressed resistance to allowing women to participate in the upcoming round of voting, citing logistical problems with delaying the election to set up gender-segregated polling facilities. Municipal elections are scheduled for September 29.