Saudi women will be allowed to vote

Women in Saudi Arabia will be given the right to vote and to run for office.

It is the first time that women will be able to take part in politics in the conservative, Islamic, and tightly-controlled society run by men.

King Abdullah announced on Sunday that women will be allowed to vote and stand as candidates for municipal councils beginning with the election scheduled in 2015.

He also said that for the first time women will be appointed in the Shura Council, the equivalent of the national assembly, as members.

Saudi women using the internet have been demanding the right to participate in politics as the Arab world has seen an increasing movement toward democracy.

Local women's rights organizations welcomed the King's announcement, calling it a significant step forward in advancing women's participation in society.

Recently some Saudi women defied the law and began driving even though they are not allowed to have a driver's license.