“The judge at the higher administrative court in Riyadh told me that as the case does not come under his jurisdiction he had no option but to return it to the Dammam court,” Al-Hani said.

Jassem Al-Attiyah, her legal adviser, stressed that the return of the case to Dammam does not mean it was rejected.

Al-Hani said she had told the administrative court judge in Dammam that participation in civic polls was her right set out by the Shariah and it was his duty to implement the Shariah.

She also told officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs that it was their duty to protect her right to vote. She expressed her hope that women would be allowed to vote in the coming civic polls, scheduled to be held on Sept. 29.

“The Dammam court told me that it would contact me this month for the third session. But nobody has contacted me yet,” she said.

Al-Attiyah said the case is still before the court, adding that he was expecting a favorable decision from the judge. He said the existing municipal law does not prevent women from participating or contesting elections.

Abdul Rahman Al-Dahmesh, chairman of the election commission, has stated that women would not be allowed to participate in this election. However, he pointed out they would allowed in future elections. Lack of ID cards for women is one of the main reasons that prevent them from taking part in the polls. But Al-Attiyah said women, who do not possess IDs, could vote with the support of their parents or relatives.

By ARAB NEWS

Published: Sep 3, 2011 23:40 Updated: Sep 3, 2011 23:40

Click here for the link.