By Aabiya Noman Baqai
- Women can now run, vote and manage campaigns in council elections.
- In 2011, the election took place, and during the same year legislation was passed allowing women to vote and run for office by 2015.
- King Abdullah issued a royal decree in 2013 mandating the Consultative Council, a royally appointed body that advises the King, be at least 20% women.
- A third of the 1,263 voting centers are being set aside for female voters.
- 70 women are looking to run as candidates at the municipal elections.
- 80 women have registered as campaign managers for these elections.
- Decisions include approving annual budgets, suggesting planning regulations, and overseeing urban and development projects.
- Jamal Al-Saadi and Safinaz Abu Al-Shamat became the first two women to register as voters for the upcoming third municipal elections in Madinah and Makkah respectively.
- The youngest woman to register so far was Aliyah Al-Diais, who just turned 18.
