Caption: A Saudi businesswoman said that a quota system should be introduced in the upcoming municipal elections to ensure the success of some female candidates.
Faten Bandakji attributed her call to the “lack of experience of Saudi women as voters and candidates in municipal elections.”
“Such a support, particularly from society, will boost municipal work and consolidate development achievements,” she said, Saudi daily Okaz reported.
Several businesswomen and social activists have signed up to run in the elections, the first in which women are allowed to run and vote. The first two elections were an all-men affair, but the late King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, often seen as a champion of women’s rights in the conservative kingdom, decided that women should have an active role starting with the third elections that will be held in December.
The registration process was launched last week and voters and candidates have up to 21 days to ensure their names are on the lists.
According to Okaz, Luma Al Sulaiman, a businesswoman, Hala Hakim, a legal consultant and former media figure, Zabi, a social activist and a consultant, Rasha Hifdhi, a social activist, Amal Al Abadi, Basma and Zainab Al Attas are among the candidates in Jeddah.
