By: Faisal Quyyumi, contributing intern (@_faisalquyyumi)

Ever since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established in 1932, elections have always guaranteed low turnouts because the nation is primarily run through the royal family. For decades, the council proves to be powerless in a kingdom where all authority is disposed upon the princes and ministers. In Saudi Arabia, women are prohibited from driving, cannot receive medical aid without approval of a male relative, and are culturally forced to stay at home under Sharia Law. Currently, men run the nation’s economy, military actions, and foreign affairs.

Saudi Arabia is currently going through major social and cultural changes as they held elections for local councils, which, for the first time, gave women the right to vote (last country in the world to approve of women’s suffrage) and run as candidates. Prior to his death caused by pneumonia, King Abdullah believed that over the years women “have demonstrated positions that expressed correct opinions and advice.” In a country filled with over 28 million people, only 165,000 women are registered to vote, which doesn’t give them the opportunity to rightfully appoint who they prefer in their local council.

According to sources, “two-thirds of the councils’ members are elected” and “another third are appointed by the government” (The New York Times). The current elections were only the third to take place since the establishment of the kingdom; previous elections occurring in 2005 and 2011, respectively. Unlike the United States, where candidates spend millions of dollars on campaigns and shameless advertising, it is quite the contrary in Saudi Arabia. The government bans all candidates from speaking rudely of their opponents in public, post photos of their campaign, and give interviews which could possibly benefit those with deep media connections.

On Sunday December 13th, the nation’s press agency announced that several women had been selected to serve in municipal councils. As of Sunday, four women have been elected and the number may increase, as official poll results will be announced on Monday December 14th. Regardless of the outcome, the revamped election is a vital and appropriate step for a nation that has neglected females for more than 80 years.

 

Photo credit: IBTimes.com