Saudi Women Vote for the First Time

On Saturday, December 12, the first elections in Saudi Arabia with the participation of women began. These elections are held to elect 284 representatives to city councils. Among nearly 7,000 participating candidates, over 900 are Saudi women. Voting is conducted separately, with distinct sections designated for women and men. According to Saudi government officials, nearly 1.5 million people have registered to participate in the elections, including about 120,000 women. Saudi Arabia has a population of approximately 31 million. Women citizens of this country are still deprived of many common human rights found in most countries around the world, including the right to drive or travel without the permission of a father or husband, conditions that are also prevalent regarding work and marriage. Riyadh is considered one of the main allies of the West in West Asia. Human rights organizations have repeatedly and strongly criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including executions, amputations, and other issues. Saudi Arabia is an absolute Islamic monarchy. The first city council elections in the country were held in 2001, solely with the participation of men. Since the ascension of King Salman, the current monarch, initial and somewhat modest decisions have been made to increase women's social and political presence.