[–] Schrodingers_Spy 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
But can they run for a seat/office?
[–] happycatsunshine [S] 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
"For the first time, women will be able to vote and run for office in Saudi Arabia’s municipal elections."
So, yes, they can run for office.
[–] morrwin 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
What office?
The politics of Saudi Arabia takes place in the context of an absolute monarchy, where the King of Saudi Arabia is both head of state and the head of government, but decisions are, to a large extent, made on the basis of consultation among the senior princes of the royal family and the religious establishment. The Qur'an is declared to be the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of Islamic law (Shari'a).
Outside of the House of Al Saud, participation in the political process is limited to a relatively small segment of the population and takes the form of the royal family consulting with the ulema, tribal sheikhs and members of important commercial families on major decisions.
So no, they can't run for anything because it's not a democracy. You can't "vote" anything just "vote" so your representative brings it up with the King and maybe the King makes it law or not.
[–] Regalia 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
they're not .. long story short, the elections are for 66% of a local municipal council (other 34% is appointed) and nothing else, this is the third (or is it the second) time that ANY voting was allowed in saudi arabia (and i really mean any voting and ever, nothing before this on anything).
but its a start .. so meh
[–] ximian 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago (edited ago)
any such move is a good enough start. now, if only North Korea opened up a bit more.
[–] happycatsunshine [S] 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
I agree, it is a start in the right direction. A small start but a start nonetheless.
[–] Regalia 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
i am sad to agree with you.