Kuwait: Women's chances in upcoming parliamentary elections dim

KUWAIT: A woman voter from the third constituency expressed her belief yesterday that women's chances in the upcoming election were low and rejected a proposal to allocate a number of seats in the parliament exclusive for women. Sabika Bourisley, a teacher in the Arab Open University, said women joining a political coalition or bloc is the best way to ensure success of the women in the parliamentary polls.

However, Bourisley added that the women chances of success in the elections were low, despite the fact that "participating in such an occasion was considered a success in itself."

"Joining a political bloc, party will increase the opportunity; however a one constituency resolution would even work better, regardless of the current positive outcome of five constituencies," Bourisley added.

Asked to whom she would vote, Bourisley said she would nominate a candidate who will be qualified in representing all Kuwaitis, "a person who will adopt resolving all the society's problems."

One woman citizen registered her nomination yesterday, on the eighth day of 2008 election registration for the 12th legislative term, which increased the number of women participants to 19. The third constituency candidate Naimah Al-Hay said she will focus in her campaign on issues regarding women, children, health and education.

Al-Hay, called for establishing a system for routine annual medical examination of citizens for early detetecion of serious diseases such as cancer. She also called for improving the education system to keep up with the world's modern-day advancements in this vital sector. The woman candidate added that women participation in the elections is intended to prove that the women of the society adopt their own ideology and perspectives for serving Kuwait and the national interests.

- KUNA