Shahd Alhamdan Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Saudi women are very positive about their outlook for future after they are allowed to participate in the upcoming municipal elections for the first time. Many believe the step is vital for improving social, economic and political status of Saudi women. Of 1,263 voting centers in municipal council elections scheduled in December, over a third have been set aside for female voters. And with the age of voting now changed to 18, younger Saudi women will have an increased say in the makeup of the municipal councils. Haifa Al-Hababi, a Saudi in her mid of 30s, is a candidate preparing to participate in the election. She said her message in the campaign would be about change. Al-Hababi explained that the government has given people a tool for change and that she intends to use it to change the system and life in the Kingdom. Many of Saudis agree with Al-Hababi that enabling women to vote and run in elections is a powerful step toward changing conditions for Saudi women. Saudi housewife Ekram Nowailaty, who may vote in the upcoming elections, told Saudi Gazette that the participation of women in any area of society is important. "The municipal councils are vital in the development and organization of our city," Nowailaty said. "Having women in this field may help in adding a feminine touch to the city, especially if women know what the city needs." Ohoud Ahmed, administrator at a private school, said: "I do not think I will personally benefit and I am not interested in these things so I will not vote. Yet, I believe having women in municipal councils will help in having new projects that fit women, since they will be in our shoes." Ahmed pointed to the possible launch of adequate public bathrooms for women in public places as one issue that female candidates could push for if elected. Lina Mosly, a public relations professional, said: "For me if a woman were in a good position on the municipal council it would be easy to deal with her and provide her with the needed information and communicate with her." Mosly said she supports women's participation in the elections 100 percent and believes it is their right. "Yet, I am not sure if women who will be elected will have the authority to implement their vision or not," she said. "If they have, they will have a powerful role. I have never participated in any voting but I may this time if this will support women's conditions." Businessman Ahmad Moshrif, who spoke with Saudi Gazette, explained that including women in the municipal elections is a great starting point for drawing attention to the larger issues faced by women in the Kingdom. Moshrif added that having women on municipal councils would not change anything unless they are given real authority. Election Committee warning The General Committee for Municipal Elections said any training program promoting a certain set of candidates would be considered a violation of election regulations. It said awareness and enlightenment programs should be objective, neutral and open to everyone interested in taking part. "Any program serving special interest groups undermines the integrity and transparency of such efforts," the committee said in a statement issued on Monday. The committee said it welcomes any effort that serves the electoral process with objectivity and does not favor any particular blocs. The registration of voters runs from Aug. 22 until Sept. 14 and the candidate registration from Aug. 30 until Sept. 17.
