King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on 25 September 2011 granted women the right to vote and run in future municipal elections. In his announcement, the king said that women would also be appointed to the Majlis Al-Shura, a consultative council that advises the monarchy on matters of public policy.
Women in Saudi Arabia endure strict gender separation, including a ban against driving.
The recent uprisings in the Arab world for the past nine months coupled with sustained demand for women’s rights and a more representative form of government in Saudi Arabia prompted the decision. Municipal elections in the kingdom will be held on 28 September 2011. In Suadi Arabia, Municipal elections were first held in 2005.
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