Kuwaitis on Thursday elected a new parliament after a stormy campaign, with analysts predicting a strong showing by reformists. Women made history in the election both as first-time voters and candidates, one year after winning political rights, AFP reported. Women voters, who represent 57 percent of the eligible electorate, started queuing in front of their designated polling stations from the early hours of the morning.
Twenty-eight women are among 253 hopefuls vying for the 50 seats of the 11th parliament to be elected since Kuwait embraced a parliamentary system in 1962.
Despite winning full political rights a year ago, some female candidates said they faced intimidation during their campaign. One of them said she had even received death threats which forced her to withdraw her candidacy.
"The participation of women in the parliamentary elections for the first time added a new flavor to the event. The fact that the day coincided with the weekend led to the presence of not only men and women, but also children, who distributed water and drinks to voters," Kuna reported on Thursday.
