16 candidates vying for seat in Kuwait's municipal by-elections

Manama: The number of Kuwaitis vying for a municipal seat in next month's by-elections has reached 16, officials have said.

However, only one of the candidates is a woman, raising concerns about the setback to the political and social empowerment of women in a society known for its openness and tolerance.

None of the 23 women who ran in the parliamentary elections ten days ago, including the four who made history by becoming Kuwait's first lawmakers, could win a seat even though most of the voters were women.

People seeking to take the seat vacated by former councilor Shayea Al Shayea after he was elected to parliament have until February 16 to sign up their names, organisers said.

The by-elections will be held on March 6 and 35,252 women and 25,536 men are expected to cast their ballots.