Jedaie Al-Qahtani, spokesman of the commission, described the king’s announcement as historic. “It allows women to participate in municipal elections on an equal footing with men,” he pointed out. He said the decision came in line with the king’s desire to involve all members of the society in nation-building efforts.
Speaking about the coming elections, Al-Qahtani urged all voters to show their IDs or other identification documents when entering polling booths. Voters will be presented a list of candidates and each one is allowed to vote once. If they mark more than one candidate the vote will be invalid.
Professor Abdul Elah Saaty, dean of the College of Business in Rabigh, said King Abdullah’s decision would have a big impact on the Saudi society. “Women account for half of the society, nobody can ignore them. They have been participating in the development process by making their contributions to most sectors,” he said.
Saaty underscored the high caliber and capabilities of Saudi women. “They hold important positions not only in the Kingdom but also in several international organizations,” he said and cited Thoraya Obaid as an example. Obaid is the former executive director of the UN Population Fund (2000–2010) and a former undersecretary-general of the United Nations.
The first Saudi national to be appointed head of a UN agency, she was previously director of the fund’s division for Arab States and Europe, as well as deputy executive secretary for the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. She holds a Ph.D from Wayne State University in Michigan.
Saaty also cited Dr. Hayat Sindi, an internationally reputable scientist, as another example. Sindi is a visiting scholar of Harvard University and co-founder, director and chair of International Science and Business Affairs. Sindi is a member of the British Top Young Researcher at the House of Commons. She was awarded the Young Professional Award by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Arab Student Organization.
Saaty was all praise for King Abdullah’s efforts to empower Saudi women and enhance their freedom. “The new royal decision will bring change to Saudi society. It is a huge recognition for all women in the Kingdom. It will change the attitude of society toward women,” he pointed out. He said the decision would also motivate women to make greater contributions.
“Saudi women have been waiting for a chance,” the professor said. He said the participation of women in the Shoura Council would strengthen the consultative body. “What we want to see now is women match up to the king’s expectations,” he added. The professor also indicated that women could be appointed ministers as Saudi leaders often pick their Cabinet members from the Shoura Council.
"I have visited Jeddah City Council on several occasions. I have also participated in the discussions in the council's sessions. Honestly, having women participating and providing input in this process is a great thing," said 35-year-old Tareq Asa'ad, a secondary school teacher in Jeddah.
"I suspect this move will empower Saudi women and add to their responsibility in society. Women will have a greater understanding of their gender's issue and perhaps drive government policy in their favor."
"It is women's right to join and participate in the process of building, and deciding the country's future. We Saudis are supportive of women's right to play an effective role in contributing to society. However, it has to be within our Islamic and traditional way of life," said 44-year-old Khalid, an employee in the private sector and father of two in Jeddah.
"This move will improve the role of women in our society and it will add to progress in our country. Women's role in society now seems more defined and on the right path. I would like to take this chance to congratulate our sisters and mothers for having King Abdullah bestow this honor upon them," said 25-year-old university student Jamal Abdualrahman.
— With inputs from P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Sultan Al-Tamimi and Galal Fakkar
