Saudi Gazette reports that Saudi municipal elections, to be held in 2009, may be postponed. According to the story, the government wishes to install ‘voter qualification’ on the electors, beyond mere literacy. It also has not yet figured out how to deal with women’s voting.

While these issues are certainly of real concern, there’s also the very real danger that any postponement will be seen as backing away from the limited move toward representative government the elections have suggested. The first elections were held in 2005/06; that should have provided sufficient time to iron out the wrinkles in the system. That problems are being addressed now is worrisome.

Municipal elections may be postponed
Muhammad Al-Ghamdi

RIYADH – Municipal elections are likely to be put off for at least two years, informed sources have revealed.

A study is being conducted for the purpose, sources said.

The objective behind the move is to weigh the pros and cons of the exercise launched in 2005 in three stages. An amendment to the required educational qualifications of candidates is also in the cards, sources said. The amendment makes it obligatory for voters to have appropriate qualification as against being simply literate.
…