Majlis 2003

First reading / Second reading.

On 19 April 2005 the Majlis voted to give women the right to vote in elections to the municipality, and to run for election. The measure passed 26 to 20, with 3 abstaining. Those who were absent were said to be largely supporters of the government who opposed the measure and did not want to be pressured into voting for it. Bills require two readings to pass.

On 2 May 2005 the Majlis voted on the second reading of the bill. Of the 60 present, 29 voted in favor (of whom 16 were elected members), 2 voted against, and 29 abstained. It was not immediately clear if this meant the bill had passed or failed.

Sources:
Al-Rai al-Am & al-Qabas 20 April 2005.
Al-Qabas 3 May 2005.