"This is a historic moment”, said the IPU President, Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, who sent his congratulations to the Shura Council and to the women of Saudi Arabia. “Finally, there is no country left in the world that discriminates against women when it comes to the right to vote and be elected”, he said.
"I applaud the women of Saudi Arabia on their efforts and congratulate the Saudi authorities on their decision. Modern societies will only be more humane and more equitable when all citizens are participating in public life", added the IPU President.
The IPU Secretary General, Anders B. Johnsson, recalled that the IPU monitors progress towards equal participation in politics in all countries. It has been working with the Shura Council, pressing for Saudi Arabia to take steps in this direction.
He expressed the hope that the decision would now be implemented speedily so that women could join the Shura Council and participate in its work on an equal footing with men.
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