By Andrew L. Jaffee

I’m gratified to see a little bit of reform in the Arab world — even if it is inch by inch. Kuwaiti women are voting, and standing as candidates. The polling stations are segregated by sex, but at least women are enfranchised — in a Muslim country. But of course, conservative religious elements are not pleased. First, the good news, from the BBC:

Kuwaitis are voting in parliamentary elections which, for the first time, allow women to cast ballots and stand as candidates. …

The BBC’s Julia Wheeler in Kuwait says it is a big day for women there — even if they do not get elected this time round - and one they have long campaigned for.

However, female candidates hope to secure some seats in parliament, despite standing for the most part against seasoned incumbents.

“It feels like a wedding day,” said Salwa al-Sanoussi as she came to vote in the wealthy Dahyia constituency.

Now, the usual oligarchic undertones (the bad news):

Some women candidates have complained of intimidation…

Kuwait’s parliament is considered to be the strongest of those in the Gulf monarchies, and the National Assembly often expresses differences of opinion with cabinet in a robust fashion.

However the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, has the final word on most government policies and key cabinet posts are held by members of the ruling family.