Now spring comes to Saudi Arabia: women can vote,run in polls

“Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia,we have decided,after deliberation with our ulema (clerics)… to involve women in the Shura Council as members,starting from the next term,” he said in a speech delivered to the advisory body.

“Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote.”

Women’s rights are regarded as a litmus test for the government’s appetite for social and political reform. Saudi Arabia adheres to a strict version of Islamic law that enforces the segregation of the sexes.

“This is great news,” said Wajeha al-Huwaider,a women’s rights activist. “Women’s voices will finally be heard. Now it is time to remove other barriers like not allowing women to drive.”

The king did not address the issue of women being allowed to drive. There is no law against women driving,but they are not issued licences.

Saudi Arabia will hold its second nationwide elections in recent memory Thursday for seats on municipal councils,but critics say the poll is a charade. “Despite the issue of effectiveness of these councils,women’s involvement in them was necessary. Maybe after women join there will be other changes,” said Naila Attar,who organized a campaign calling for women’s involvement in polls.