In Bahrain, the first free elections in nearly 30 years are being hailed as a success despite the failure of any of the 31 women candidates to win election to the island's municipal councils. 

Thursday's elections marked the first time Bahraini women had been allowed to run for elective office. Not only did the women candidates fail to win any of the 28 seats decided, but they also failed to win places in the 22 contests yet to be decided in run-off elections. 

Some of the defeated women candidates complained that women had been forced by their husbands to vote for male candidates. Others spoke of the strength of the conservative Islamic current in the region. 

Bahrain's Information Minister Nabil al-Hamir said the government had hoped that at least five women would win seats. Nevertheless, the elections are being seen as a successful step in the process of transforming Bahrain from a traditional emirate where the ruler wields absolute power to a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. 

The Bahraini minister said he hopes the election results will not dampen Bahraini women's enthusiasm for the elective process. He said they should work hard to make a strong showing in legislative polls scheduled for October. 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. 

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version