In a historic moment for Saudi Arabia, a woman won a municipal council seat in the country’s first ever election open to female voters and candidates, an official said. This is asignificant milestone for the ultra-conservative Gulf monarchy, which is known for curbing freedom of women.
Salma bint Hizab al-Oteibi was elected to the council of Madrakah, in the city of Mecca, according to the official SPA news agency. The election commission president Osama al- Bar said, she was running against seven men and two women.
Saudi Arabia is known to have some of the world’s tightest restrictions on women, such as a ban on driving which has been one of the major issues making international headlines. The victory of Ms Oteibi would hopefully been an incremental step towards inclusion of women in governance.
Women accounted for less than 10 percent of registered voters and few female candidates are expected to be elected.
Author Profile
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs. The Global Insights India (TGII) is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org
Latest entries
India and the World2021.01.21President Biden vows to unite America, sings democracy anthem
India and the World2021.01.19Modi set to visit UK for G7, Johnson likely to visit India
China Connect2021.01.16Xi’s ‘cloud diplomacy’ helps world emerge from pandemic with enhanced solidarity
India and the World2021.01.16Pharma Pride: PM Modi leads world’s biggest vaccination drive
