Saudis elect three women councilors in historic poll

Date: 2015-12-13 07:53:56

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(MENAFN- Asia Times) A Saudi woman casts her ballot at a polling center during municipal elections in Riyadh on Saturday

The first woman candidate to emerge winner was Salma bint Hizab al-Oteibi who was elected to the council of Madrakah a region in the holy city of Mecca the official SPA news agency reported citing election commission president Osama al-Bar.

She was running against seven men and two women he said.

Sabq online news site said that two women also won in Jeddah which is part Mecca region. It identified the winners as Dr. Luma Al Sulaiman and Rasha Hifdhim.

Saudi Arabiais an absolute monarchy with some of the world's tightest restrictions on women including a ban on driving.

It was the last country to allow only men to vote and polling stations were segregated for Saturday's elections.

Among the 6440 candidates were more than 900 women who overcame a number of obstacles to participate in the landmark poll.

Female candidates could not directly meet any male voters during their campaigns.

Female voters said registration was hindered by factors including bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of transport.

As a result women accounted for fewer than 10% of registered voters. Few female candidates were expected to be elected.