Hello, democracy – and goodbye

Saudi Arabia has quietly abandoned the municipal elections that were due to take place this year

Brian Whitaker
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 24 February 2009

"Four years ago this month Saudi Arabia, one of the world's most conservative absolute monarchies, took a cautious step towards democracy by holding local government elections – the first in more than 40 years.

It was a very cautious step indeed. To make sure that nothing untoward could happen when the votes were counted, only 50% of seats in the 178 municipal councils were up for election, with the remaining 50% to be filled by royal appointees......

But what about the 2009 elections? Will they turn out any better? Will women finally be allowed to vote?

Er, no. In fact, there's no sign of any elections at all. They are said to have been "postponed" for a few years to allow for an "evaluation" process.
As the blogger Saudijeans remarked: "Sounds like a lame excuse, if you ask me.""