Saudi women first time part of democracy registration begins for elections

Saudi women first time part of democracy registration begins for elections. Women can register to vote for the first time in  elections.

They will also allowed to register as political candidates critics say it doesn’t go far enough and they must scrap guardian system.

Women can’t travel, open a bank account or get a passport without a man.

It has been seen as a move in the right direction for the nation.

Which long criticized by human rights organisations and other nations for oppressing women.

This latest move also sends an important message to all sectors of Saudi society.

That women, as well as men, have a stake in the country and are qualified to make decisions that affect the public interest.’

The move was initiated by the now deceased King Abdullah who ordered it in 2011.

In 2013, he issued a royal decree stating that the Consultative Council.

A royally appointed body that advises the King, be at least 20 per cent women.

Saudi women first time part of democracy registration begins for elections.

Saudi women will allowed to vote and stand in the elections but the people only choose half of the people on local councils.

The other half chosen by the monarch.

The move to allow Saudi women to vote and stand is a welcome surprise from the new king Salman.

Said to be more aligned with hard-line conservatives that his predecessor.

Saudi women first time part of democracy registration begins for elections.
Saudi women first time part of democracy registration begins for elections.

70 Saudi Arabian Women are looking to run as candidates while another 80 have registered as campaign managers.

But despite being a step in the right direction, women still have very few rights because of the guardianship system that exists.

Saudi women not allowed to obtain a passport, marry, travel or access higher education without approval from a male guardian.

This can be a husband or a relative.

Women also forbidden to wear clothes that show off their beauty or make-up, and required to lit the time they spend with men they not related to.

Saudi women first time part of democracy registration begins for elections.

Saudi Arabia sent female athletes to the London Olympic Games for the first time in 2012 but hard-line clerics denounced them as ‘prostitutes’.

Authorities also need to ensure Saudi women have full control over all of the major decisions that affect their lives.

Only then will Saudi Arabia’s women be able to contribute to society on an equal footing with men.