Saudi Arabian women will be allowed to vote and run as candidates in municipal elections for the first time from next year, said King Abdullah, in what is being viewed as both a move to head off criticism and a victory for liberal opinion.
Women will also be able to join the Majlis ash-Shura, Saudi Arabia’s appointed consultative assembly, the king announced on Sunday.
However, they are still forbidden from driving, need written permission from a male guardian to travel, work or attend school, and will be excluded from elections due this week...
Source: ft.com