| Ignoring stiff opposition from Islamist deputies, the emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah opened the new session of the National Assembly (Parliament) yesterday with an ambitious reform program for women including the right to vote and seek public office in all elections. The Cabinet in May approved a bill to amend the election law granting women the franchise. The bill was signed by the emir and sent to Parliament. "This is a historic move," said Mouna Al-Dashti, who has been campaigning for women's rights in Kuwait for years. "We hope this time we get positive results." With the government seen more determined than ever, the bill has a good chance of passing through the assembly, analysts said yesterday. Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Ahmad Al-Jaber has been lobbying the parliamentarians on this issue for weeks. The bill is believed to have at least 15 firm supporters in the 50-seat Parliament with a further 12 regarded as persuadable. Because Cabinet members can also vote in the assembly, the bill could muster as many as 35 votes, enough to pass. |