The Reality of Saudi Women’s Participation in Municipal Elections

Abstract

     The present research paper aims to identify the reality of woman’s participation in municipal elections by defining the characteristics and motives of the participants, as well as the forms of participation and the relevant obstacles. It is descriptive analytical. The author adopted the social survey approach and applied a questionnaire to a sample of (102) female leaders at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The results showed that the participants should solve problems, make decisions, and do tasks competently. The motives for participation involved reinforcing the participants' role in community development and decision-making and the desire to develop community and national thought by presenting their vision on solving the community problems. Forms of participation covered sharing experience in presenting community issues, participating competently in election campaigns, and supporting governmental decisions to achieve citizens' interests. The results highlighted to the obstacles to woman's participation in municipal elections. The study recommends providing woman with training courses relevant to political participation to support and familiarize them with their rights and duties and how to practice in the community. It also recommends training them in the skills that empower them to have a prominent role in political participation.