Riyadh Governor Prince Abdel Aziz bin Mohammed said Saudi Arabia’s first municipal elections are not compulsory and women might be allowed to take part. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Abdel Aziz said “societies differ. … Some make voting compulsory and others don’t. … In Saudi Arabia we have no compulsory elections.” He said women, who have no political rights in the conservative Muslim kingdom, could be allowed to take part in the voting but no final decision has been made. The elections are to be held in several phases beginning Feb. 10. The public will elect only half the members of municipal councils and the rest will be appointed. © Copyright 2004 by United Press International

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