KUWAIT, 18 May 2005 — Kuwaiti women yesterday hailed as historic a decision to allow women to vote and run for parliamentary polls which was taken despite fierce resistance by conservative and tribal MPs

“Thank God now we got our rights,” said university professor Siham Freih. “Until yesterday Kuwait’s image to the world was tarnished because women were taking part in all professional fields but were deprived of the vote.”

“Before this I didn’t feel as a citizen. They (lawmakers) restored our right that had been robbed from us,” said law professor Dr. Badria Al-Awadi.

The law is seen as a breakthrough in Kuwait, a strategic US ally which has pledged to pursue democratic reform.

The all-male parliament passed the law on Monday with a wide majority after a marathon nine-hour session. Thirty-five voted in favor, 23 against and one abstained in the vote that had met strong opposition from conservative and tribal MPs.

Politicians said the bill was approved after some concessions. The pro-reformist government had tempted some lawmakers by agreeing to a popular bill to raise salaries for most public and private employees.

In another sign of compromise, Islamist MPs added a clause to the bill on Monday stipulating women must abide by Islamic law when voting or running for office.

The reaction on the streets of Kuwait was immediate. As soon as the bill was passed, people danced and cheered and fireworks lit the night sky of Kuwait.

“Let’s enjoy this moment and then contemplate a better future for our country and kids. We are now the decision-makers of our future along with men, for a change,” said Badria Darwish.

“May 16, the day parliament gave women their full political rights is a special day in Kuwait’s history and will go down as a ‘national’ day like Independence Day,” said Al-Qabas daily.

Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the driving force behind the voting law, said women could be appointed ministers to the 15-member Cabinet.

The Kuwait government wanted the bill passed before a trip by the prime minister to Washington next month. The United States has pressed its allies in the Middle East to reform their rigid political systems and grant women equal rights.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the decision. US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters: “We think this is an important step forward for Kuwait, for the women of Kuwait and for the nation as a whole.”

Janina Andersson, a visiting Finnish parliamentarian, said she was ecstatic. Finland, which allowed women to vote and stand for election in 1906, was the first nation to grant them full suffrage.

“It’s a really big historic moment,” Andersson told Reuters. “When I saw Kuwaiti women yesterday, they were so eager ... I knew soon there would be women ministers here.”

The Arab League said the decision was the most important event in Kuwait’s political history.

“Women have shown they are able partners to men in handling family and social responsibilities and serving the nation,” Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said.

Interior Minister Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah told reporters Kuwait’s democracy was now complete. “There is a relief in the international community after it used to fault Kuwait’s democracy for not allowing women to participate.”

“This is a historic moment. This decision has been delayed for many many years but I am very excited and happy,” said activist Haifa’a Al-Mousa.