Saudi women register to vote for the first time

[webfact]

Saudi women register to vote for the first time: 'A dream for us'
By Elahe Izadi
The Washington Post

WASHINGTON: -- Two women in Saudi Arabia made history last week when they became the country's first registered female voters, according to local media.

“The participation of the Saudi women in the municipal elections as voters and candidates was a dream for us,” Jamal al-Saadi, one of the women who registered, told the Saudi Gazette. She added: "I was quite ready for this day."

A handful of women, including an 18-year-old, registered in Medina and Mecca, where the process began early. Voter registration opened up in the rest of the country on Saturday, and candidates can begin signing up Aug. 30. Men and women will vote in separate polling places.

Registration day was a long time coming for women such as Saadi. In 2011, the now-late King Abdullah announced that women would be allowed to vote and run as candidates starting in 2015. Municipal elections, which began in 2005, are the only such contests in the monarchy, and those elected have limited authority. The share of elected municipal council seats will increase from one-half to two-thirds this year; the rest of the seats are appointed.

Full story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/08/24/saudi-women-register-to-vote-for-the-first-time-a-dream-for-us/

-- The Washington Post 2015-08-25

[Steely Dan]

How do the authorities confirm the identity of the female voters? Perhaps they convert a barcode reader to do a retinal scan.

[Credo]

Saudi Arabia, speeding along into the 7th century.

[Linky]

Well done. One step at a time.

[Linky]

Saudi Arabia, speeding along into the 7th century.

7th century?

I think if you do a search th 20th century is closer to the mark.

[Seastallion]

How do the authorities confirm the identity of the female voters? Perhaps they convert a barcode reader to do a retinal scan.

I guess, like these law students and their professors, that they just turn up, like everyone else.

[arjunadawn]

20th century? IMO, any who thinks SA exists in the 20th century is guilty of condoning vast human rights atrocities. SA is barbaric, misogynist, invasive, theocratic, oppressive, and insinuates itself into every aspect of private life. If any believe SA has now made progress, I commend you, but differ. In any assert SA exists as a 20th century modern state, they contribute to benign neglect of horrific despotism. SA is among the most un enlightened countries on earth (having money and guns and oil and more money does not change this. It just puts a dress on a pig, ah, cow).

[BuaBS]

That's terrible ! What's next : driving a car ? Saudi Arabia is going down the toilet , same as the oil price.

[Skeptic7]

WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

[chuckd]

WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

Care to provide some examples?

[Skeptic7]

WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

Care to provide some examples?

Sure...here's a few. Nothing you couldn't have checked for yourself, unless you're unfamiliar with a Search Engine or The Internet...

http://www.ibtimes.com/saudi-arabia-apostasy-case-man-renounces-muslim-faith-video-sentenced-death-saudi-1826152

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2012/12/10/the-seven-countries-where-the-state-can-execute-you-for-being-atheist/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/18/our-ally-saudi-arabia-beheaded-10-people-this-month.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelangelo-signorile/saudi-arabia-beheads-gays_b_6354636.html

[Walter Travolta]

WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

Care to provide some examples?

Sure...here's a few. Nothing you couldn't have checked for yourself, unless you're unfamiliar with a Search Engine or The Internet...

http://www.ibtimes.com/saudi-arabia-apostasy-case-man-renounces-muslim-faith-video-sentenced-death-saudi-1826152

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2012/12/10/the-seven-countries-where-the-state-can-execute-you-for-being-atheist/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/18/our-ally-saudi-arabia-beheaded-10-people-this-month.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelangelo-signorile/saudi-arabia-beheads-gays_b_6354636.html

hahaha chukd just got owned

[Walter Travolta]

if they go to vote alone, that means they will be raped because they are flaunting . . .

[Throatwobbler]

WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

I agree with you but progress starts with a small step.

[chuckd]

WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

Care to provide some examples?

Sure...here's a few. Nothing you couldn't have checked for yourself, unless you're unfamiliar with a Search Engine or The Internet...

http://www.ibtimes.com/saudi-arabia-apostasy-case-man-renounces-muslim-faith-video-sentenced-death-saudi-1826152

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2012/12/10/the-seven-countries-where-the-state-can-execute-you-for-being-atheist/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/18/our-ally-saudi-arabia-beheaded-10-people-this-month.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelangelo-signorile/saudi-arabia-beheads-gays_b_6354636.html

hahaha chukd just got owned

This response is addressed to both of the posters, Skeptic7 and Walter Travolta.

Skeptic7 said in his post..."WOW...they are really progressing!!! Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists.

I requested a link since, according to Skeptic7, there must have been previous incidents where atheists and gays had been executed by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Otherwise why would he say "Now if they would only stop executing gays and atheists. "

Skeptic7 provided me a few links, along with a rather snarky tutorial on the internet, which I have taken to heart.

I decided to look up these links and see what they actually said. Following is my summary.

1. http://www.ibtimes.com/saudi-arabia-apostasy-case-man-renounces-muslim-faith-video-sentenced-death-saudi-1826152

This is an article about a Saudi citizen that is accused of apostasy and has been sentenced to death. The death sentence has not been carried out.

2. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/

This article merely mentions gays may be sentenced to death in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia. Not one example was given of any executions being carried out.

3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2012/12/10/the-seven-countries-where-the-state-can-execute-you-for-being-atheist/

This article lists seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, where the death penalty can be invoked against atheists. It also fails to provide any examples of any executions actually taking place

4. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/18/our-ally-saudi-arabia-beheaded-10-people-this-month.html

This article cites some executions, none of which were for atheism or being gay.

5. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html

This article states Saudi Arabia in 2014 instituted new laws claiming atheists were terrorists and would be subject to prison terms. There is no mention of the death sentence in the article.

6. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelangelo-signorile/saudi-arabia-beheads-gays_b_6354636.html

This Huffington Post blog is written by one Michelangelo Signorile, Gay Voices Editor-at-Large. He lumps Saudi Arabia and Iran together making the following claim:

"Rubio attacked the president for his overtures to Iran as well, but he seems to have no problem with our relationship with Saudi Arabia. Both are closed societies, Muslim fundamentalist theocracies that have terrorized gay citizens and many others. Both punish homosexuality with floggings, lashings and death, including by hanging and beheading. But one of them has long been a cash cow for American oil companies, so Rubio doesn't seem to see its human rights abuses, which include treating women as if they're property, and arresting them for driving."

Mr. Signorile is correct in stating Iran has executed gays. That is a well known and established fact. No argument there. However, he is remarkably silent on actual executions taking place in Saudi Arabia.

In short, you have proven only that atheism and being gay are crimes punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.

Your claim that the Saudi's should stop executing gays and atheists is unfounded on fact if you cannot prove they have ever started.

Now that you "own" me, do you have to buy my food?

[thaibeachlovers]

How do the authorities confirm the identity of the female voters? Perhaps they convert a barcode reader to do a retinal scan.

????? They are voting in segregated facilities and will be checked by women. It's only men that they have to hide from.

[chuckd]

if they go to vote alone, that means they will be raped because they are flaunting . . .

Not really very likely they will be raped.

They will be driven to and from the polling station by a male family member, enter a female only polling station, cast their vote and go home.

Heck, they might even go to one of the women only shopping centers to spend a little money. Girl's day out and all that.

You really don't know a lot about Saudi Arabia, do you.

[Linky]

20th century? IMO, any who thinks SA exists in the 20th century is guilty of condoning vast human rights atrocities. SA is barbaric, misogynist, invasive, theocratic, oppressive, and insinuates itself into every aspect of private life. If any believe SA has now made progress, I commend you, but differ. In any assert SA exists as a 20th century modern state, they contribute to benign neglect of horrific despotism. SA is among the most un enlightened countries on earth (having money and guns and oil and more money does not change this. It just puts a dress on a pig, ah, cow).

10 out of 10 for being off topic.

This is about women voting. So yes, the 20th century.

Try thinking about the topic before responding.

[arjunadawn]

20th century? IMO, any who thinks SA exists in the 20th century is guilty of condoning vast human rights atrocities. SA is barbaric, misogynist, invasive, theocratic, oppressive, and insinuates itself into every aspect of private life. If any believe SA has now made progress, I commend you, but differ. In any assert SA exists as a 20th century modern state, they contribute to benign neglect of horrific despotism. SA is among the most un enlightened countries on earth (having money and guns and oil and more money does not change this. It just puts a dress on a pig, ah, cow).

10 out of 10 for being off topic.

This is about women voting. So yes, the 20th century.

Try thinking about the topic before responding.

If you wish to attack me please feel free. However, being accurate would not make you appear foolish. SA granting any appearance of voting rights to women is just that, appearance. My previous comments support why I think so. My conclusion that they are among the most un enlightened countries on earth remains correct, and relevant. Therefore, this is on topic and follows a previous comment regarding SA being in the 20century.

[Naam]

20th century? IMO, any who thinks SA exists in the 20th century is guilty of condoning vast human rights atrocities. SA is barbaric, misogynist, invasive, theocratic, oppressive, and insinuates itself into every aspect of private life. If any believe SA has now made progress, I commend you, but differ. In any assert SA exists as a 20th century modern state, they contribute to benign neglect of horrific despotism. SA is among the most un enlightened countries on earth (having money and guns and oil and more money does not change this. It just puts a dress on a pig, ah, cow).

10 out of 10 for being off topic.

This is about women voting. So yes, the 20th century.

Try thinking about the topic before responding.

If you wish to attack me please feel free. However, being accurate would not make you appear foolish. SA granting any appearance of voting rights to women is just that, appearance. My previous comments support why I think so. My conclusion that they are among the most un enlightened countries on earth remains correct, and relevant. Therefore, this is on topic and follows a previous comment regarding SA being in the 20century.

Dear Sir,

please stop. i beg of you! your comments are causing my Saudi friends to cry bitterly

[samran]

20th century? IMO, any who thinks SA exists in the 20th century is guilty of condoning vast human rights atrocities. SA is barbaric, misogynist, invasive, theocratic, oppressive, and insinuates itself into every aspect of private life. If any believe SA has now made progress, I commend you, but differ. In any assert SA exists as a 20th century modern state, they contribute to benign neglect of horrific despotism. SA is among the most un enlightened countries on earth (having money and guns and oil and more money does not change this. It just puts a dress on a pig, ah, cow).

10 out of 10 for being off topic.

This is about women voting. So yes, the 20th century.

Try thinking about the topic before responding.

If you wish to attack me please feel free. However, being accurate would not make you appear foolish. SA granting any appearance of voting rights to women is just that, appearance. My previous comments support why I think so. My conclusion that they are among the most un enlightened countries on earth remains correct, and relevant. Therefore, this is on topic and follows a previous comment regarding SA being in the 20century.

Dear Sir,

please stop. i beg of you! your comments are causing my Saudi friends to cry bitterly

Don't you know Naam. Those saudi 'friends' of yours are ready to chop of your infidel head at the first opportunity, molest little kiddies and make you eat halal (yes after your head has been chopped off). Then they'll invade Western Europe for desert.

I know this cause Thai visa told me so.

Just a friendly warning...

Edited August 26, 2015 by samran

[Linky]

20th century? IMO, any who thinks SA exists in the 20th century is guilty of condoning vast human rights atrocities. SA is barbaric, misogynist, invasive, theocratic, oppressive, and insinuates itself into every aspect of private life. If any believe SA has now made progress, I commend you, but differ. In any assert SA exists as a 20th century modern state, they contribute to benign neglect of horrific despotism. SA is among the most un enlightened countries on earth (having money and guns and oil and more money does not change this. It just puts a dress on a pig, ah, cow).

10 out of 10 for being off topic.

This is about women voting. So yes, the 20th century.

Try thinking about the topic before responding.

If you wish to attack me please feel free. However, being accurate would not make you appear foolish. SA granting any appearance of voting rights to women is just that, appearance. My previous comments support why I think so. My conclusion that they are among the most un enlightened countries on earth remains correct, and relevant. Therefore, this is on topic and follows a previous comment regarding SA being in the 20century.

Yes you deserve to be attacked for twisting what I said and hijacking the thread to go off topic.

The topic is, women voting. It is 20th century because many countries, even the western countries we have high regard for, only allowed women to vote in the 20th century. Therefore, as per THIS topic, welcome to the 20th century.

Everything else you said was off topic and irrelevant to my post. So please dont quote me if your response has nothing to do with mine.

Edited August 26, 2015 by Linky

[thaibeachlovers]

if they go to vote alone, that means they will be raped because they are flaunting . . .

Not really very likely they will be raped.

They will be driven to and from the polling station by a male family member, enter a female only polling station, cast their vote and go home.

Heck, they might even go to one of the women only shopping centers to spend a little money. Girl's day out and all that.

You really don't know a lot about Saudi Arabia, do you.

Yes, it's amazing the stuff that people that have never been to Saudi come up with.

7 pm was visiting time at the hospital, and a crowd of females was gathered outside the door, each family group escorted by a male, even if he was too young to drive.