Elections in Saudi Arabia
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Basic Law |
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Elections in Saudi Arabia are rare. Municipal elections were last held in 2015, the first time women had the right to vote and stand as candidates.[1]
History
The first municipal elections in
In 2005, elections for half of the municipal councilors were held, with men aged over 21 voting for male candidates. In May 2009, elections scheduled for October were postponed so authorities could consider expanding those eligible to vote, including women.[3] Women were not granted franchise until after the 2011 elections, which drew condemnation from Human Rights Watch; some female activists planned 'parallel' municipal councils following the vote.[4][5][6]
Saudi Arabia's Consultative Assembly (Majlis ash-Shura) is wholly advisory in function, with 150 appointed members and the Speaker, currently Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh, appointed by the King.[7] Political parties are outlawed.
Women's participation
Arguments against female suffrage were that not enough women would be available to staff female polling stations (
Women's rights remain a controversial subject in Saudi Arabia.
See also
References
- ^ "Saudi Arabia: First women councillors elected". BBC News. 13 December 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- S2CID 143821878.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia postpones local elections". www.telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Women in Saudi Arabia to vote and run in elections". BBC News. 25 September 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia: Let Women Vote, Run for Office". Human Rights Watch. 31 March 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Saudi women aim to create their own municipal council". Al Arabiya English. 1 April 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Understanding Shoura: how the Saudi consultative 'parliament' works". Arab News. 19 November 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Saudi government bans women's suffrage". MSNBC. 11 October 2004. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "VOTE FOR SAUDI WOMEN NO GUARANTEE OF RIGHTS". Amnesty International Website. Retrieved 27 September 2011.