New Victory To Kuwaiti Women, Won Right To Vote

Right to vote is a by-birth right to every citizen from many countries. But in Kuwait that right was banned for women. Islamic law prohibited women from leadership positions. They were neither allowed to vote nor were eligible to have positions of leadership. So an amendment was required for women voters and candidates.

On 17th May 2005 after the end of a 10-hour long session, a change in the law was agreed. The Kuwaiti parliament has voted to give full political rights to women. 35 votes in favor and 23 against, with one abstention, passed it.

As per the new amendment to the Kuwait’s electoral law, women can now vote and stand in parliamentary and local elections without any objection.

It was announced by the speaker of parliament and was greeted with thunderous applause from the public gallery where backers of the amendment had gathered. Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah congratulated the women of Kuwait for having achieved their political rights.