‘Lack of support, funds forced women out’ of municipal council race

Wafaa Badawood and Ashwaq Al-Tuwairqi MAKKAH — Many female candidates withdrew from the upcoming municipal council race because most women are unaware of the importance of elections, said one of the campaign leaders. Nailah Attar, Jeddah coordinator for the Baladi Initiative,  said there were only 2,402 candidates in this election. “Many of them withdrew from the race because they were frustrated by the lack of support from women in the community. They felt they did not have an equal chance at winning the elections as some of the women candidates were able to fund their campaigns when others weren’t able to spend as much,” said Attar. She said one of the women candidates had already spent SR300,000 on her campaign. “The campaigning period is still ongoing. Most candidates are using social media to market their campaigns. Social media is a free media for marketing and campaigning. However, some candidates are spending money on public marketing,” said Attar. Jeddah Al-Rowdah Voting Center Director Amal Al-Abadi said funding was another major reason for women candidates withdrawing. “Many of them complained that hosting events and attending events to market their campaigns has been very expensive. Many have also said the election organization has not been empowering enough for them,” said Al-Abadi. [caption id="attachment_18248" align="alignnone"] Aljazi Al-Hussaini, a candidate for the municipal council in the town of Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh, shows an electoral campaign license issued by the central municipal elections committee on Nov. 29. — AFP[/caption] She also said there is a lack of training and awareness among the candidates and the general public. “Elections are a new concept to Saudi society. It will take time for the Saudi people to fathom the importance of the process. Municipal elections are a way for the citizens to have a role in running the affairs of the state,” said Al-Abadi. She also said there are people in society who still believe women are ineligible to hold leadership positions. “Women candidates also face sex discrimination sometimes and have to work twice as hard as the men candidates just to prove their legitimacy. However, I believe the reasons for withdrawal of both men and women candidates are the same,” said Al-Abadi. She added many have complained about the bureaucracy of the election organizers. “The procedures of financing and booking take a long time if they were done through the ministry. Those who are able to privately finance their own campaigns are the ones winning. Many felt that was an injustice in the system, which must be addressed and dealt with,” said Al-Abadi.