JEDDAH, 16 October 2003 — A number of prominent Saudi women, including academics and journalists, have welcomed the decision to hold municipal elections as a “bold step” and called for the active participation of women in the elections — as candidates as well as voters.
“Women in the Kingdom look forward to having a vital role in the elections as both candidates and voters,” Okaz Arabic daily quoted them as saying.
Dr. Aisha Mutawally, a gynecologist, commended the Cabinet decision to hold elections to the municipal councils within a year to widen public participation in managing local affairs.
“This decision will have a positive impact on citizens in the coming years,” she added. “We expect that women will have their voices heard in these elections and actively participate in them as they make up more than half of society and their role is fundamental,” she pointed out.
Ameera Kashghery, professor of linguistics at the English Language Department of the College of Education for Girls in Jeddah, said people should elect the best and most suitable candidates to the councils.
“We should elect people who have the qualities of honesty, impartiality and national conscience, and those who work for public interest,” she said.
Dr. Fatma Siddique Nujoom, principal of the College of Teachers in Makkah, expressed her approval of the move to hold elections.
“If I have the right to vote I will vote for the most trustworthy, God-fearing and honest person,” she added.
Dalal Aziz Diya, director of the women’s department at Jeddah Radio, emphasized the importance of women’s participation in the elections.
Dr. Ansaf Ali Bukhari, assistant professor at the College of Education for Girls in Makkah, hoped that the government would come out with more reforms enhancing public participation in governance.
Juhair Al-Musaed, a writer, Sara Al-Balawi, a journalist, and Dr. Mariam Isa Hamdan also called for women’s participation in the elections.
“I hope that women will not be denied the right to vote,” Sara Al-Balawi said.
