JEDDAH: A survey of public opinion on the municipal council elections has revealed that nearly 59 percent oppose women voting in the elections and 72.5 percent are opposed to female membership on the councils. The study, conducted by Riyadh-based ASBAR Center for Studies, Research and Communications, showed that the largest section of support for women voting came from persons who registered to vote but did not use their vote, with 22.8 percent of them in favor. But 19.7 percent of persons who did use their votes were also supportive. Overall 58.9 percent were opposed to women voting, represented in 60.4 percent of those asked who did vote in the previous elections, 54.7 percent of persons who registered but did not use their votes, and 58.7 percent of persons who did not register to vote. The most common reason given for opposition to women voting in the elections was, according to the study, that it “violates customs and traditions”, a reason cited by 74.8 percent. Other reasons, all given by over 59 percent of those asked, said that it “impedes women's fundamental tasks at home and in raising children”, “clearly violates Shariah Law”, that it is “an unsuitable task for women”, and “is an undesirable imitation of what occurs in other societies”. As to female membership of municipal councils, 72.5 percent were opposed, with 11.3 percent in support. The figure rose to 13.7 percent among persons who registered to vote but did not use their vote. 8.7 percent of those asked were “supportive to some extent”. Opponents to women sitting on municipal councils said that it was a “clear violation of Shariah Law”, that “women have no business in the work of municipal councils”, that it “violates customs and tradition”, that it “impedes women's fundamental tasks in the home and in raising children”, and that “women are not as strong or influential as men in that task”. The 772-page study, entitled “The Evaluation of the Elections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, looked at a range of factors related to the municipal council elections such as voting demographics, regional and educational influences, voter satisfaction and the extent to which running candidates met their campaign promises. It said that 50.7 percent of those asked believed that candidates exaggerated their electoral promises during campaigning, while 49.5 percent expressed a willingness to participate in future elections, 35 percent expressing doubts and 14.1 percent saying they would definitely not take part. On what characterizes a suitable municipal councilor, 81.1 percent cited “advanced educational level”, 79.1 percent “good reputation, especially regarding good conduct and integrity”, 72.1 percent “religious commitment”, 61.1 percent “experience in public services”, and 48 percent “courage and righteousness”. The ASBAR Center for Studies, Research and Communications was established in 1994 and produces strategic studies and opinion surveys and also offers media consultations and technical services in fields of publication.
