Women Take Part in Election for First Time

Women made history in a local election in Kuwait by voting and standing as candidates for the first time since the Persian Gulf state granted them suffrage last year.

Turnout was light, however, and the single seat being contested for the 16-member Municipal Council was won by a man. The other members were elected or appointed last year.

One woman candidate, Jinan Boushehri, finished second, state-run television said.

Women had pressed for political rights for more than four decades. About 28,000 voters, including 16,000 women, were eligible to cast ballots for the six men and two women running.