After Qatar, Bahraini women decide to join municipal elections

Bahraini women on Wednesday evening announced their determination to nominate themselves to the municipal elections which will be held in Bahrain on May 9th. The first elections since 1957 in order to strengthen woman's participation in the political life in Bahrain.

Eyman Hashem who decided to nominate herself in the 9th circle in Hamad city -- to the south of the capital al-Manama-- said that her existence as an activist in a women's society has encouraged her to launch the local elections experience as a candidate, noting that her women colleagues at the Bahrain Fatat ( girl) Nahda society -- established in 1955-- had encouraged her to nominate herself. She added that our ultimate aim is to enhance women's political participation in the political scenes and providing better services.

According to the municipal elections law which was issued February this year, the candidates will compete in 50 electoral circles in the five provinces in Bahrain. Among the Arab Gulf states, elected municipal councils only exist in Qatar and Kuwait.

Women for the first time took part in the municipal elections in March 1999. In Kuwait, the Kuwaiti parliament this year refused an Emire decree which states to give women the right of voting and to be eligible to be elected as from 2003.