JEDDAH: A group of Saudi women are demanding that the authorities postpone the upcoming municipal elections for three months so officials can prepare for the participation of women. This move comes in the wake of the decision by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to exclude women from voting and standing as candidates, arguing preparations have not been made to include them. Voter registration starts on April 23 with the elections on Sept. 22. The women making the call are part of a Facebook group called Baladi, Arabic for “My Country”. Enam Al-Asfour, spokeswoman of the Baladi campaign, said that women have every right to participate. “Women have the right to participate in the municipal elections. This latest decision caused huge disappointment among women and men in Saudi society,” she said. Members of the Baladi campaign have offered their services to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to help ensure women participate in the elections. Baladi says that there are no laws that limit participation to men. Azza Abu Bakur, a sociologist at King Abdulaziz University, also called for women's participation. “Women are part of society and should not be excluded from decision-making.” She said if women are allowed to participate then there will be an improvement in the way the country is run. Abu Bakur said taking up positions in municipal councils will not affect women's roles as mothers and house keepers. There is no job that a woman cannot do, she added. Some Saudi men are also calling for the involvement of women. Sami Hussain, a Saudi businessman, said that women have shown “great success” at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which proves they can play a positive role in society.
