Kuwait

As May 16 draws near, hopes seems to be presiding the views of female voters. Even after the issuance of the recent fatwa forbidding voting for women, the supporters of the female a great majority still sees that change is only possible if women reach the Parliament. Kuwait Times conducted a survey to find out about the various views and reasons behind women's support in female candidates.
To read the full article please visit the Kuwait Times website.

Former MP and third district candidate Adel Al-Sarawi held a symposium for women at his diwaniya in Keifan on Sunday evening. He was a member of the parliament in 2003, 2006 and 2008.
To read the full article please visit the Kuwait Times website.

Two lecturers at Kuwait University agreed that women were the ones who mostly benefitted from media coverage of parliamentary campaigns, because it was an easy option for those who found it difficult to attend rallies. Mass communication professor Dr Khalid Al-Qihs said that there was a close link between democracy and media, which helped many women in their evaluation of the agenda of candidates.

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.

A standing parliamentary seats' quota system to ensure a significant representation for women in parliament is a controversial issue in Kuwait, with critics saying female activists must earn the seats instead of occupying them without effort. The system is aimed at boosting women political participation, by granting them the legislative right to have a share of the seats on sustainable basis. Political activist Fatima Al-Nahham said that the latin word "quota" means sharing and is used to grant women the opportunity to hold seats in the parliament.

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.
To read the full article please visit the BBC website.

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.
To read the full article please visit the Al Watan Daily website.

"Of course I'm going to vote for women - and I really hope that women can make it this time," said Bahja with a large smile on her face. The 70-year-old woman was stoic and uncomplaining, queuing in a long line of voters, all of whom were waiting to enter the voting booth in Salmiya yesterday.
To read the full article please visit the Kuwait Times website.

Since winning their political rights in 2005, Kuwaiti women have shown great advances in many walks of life, not only voting but also running for parliamentary seats. While failing to win any seats in last year's elections, female candidates recorded great results and many expect to see a female lawmaker in the National Assembly following yesterday's election.
To read the full article please visit the Kuwait Times website.