Kuwait KUWAIT (Reuters):
WOMEN candidates are determined to make headway in Kuwait's parliamentary elections on Thursday, despite an uphill battle against experienced male opponents and a tradition uneasy with equal roles for women.
More than 250 candidates contesting the polls - including 28 women - have addressed packed tents of men and women at campaign rallies across the Gulf Arab state in the run-up to the first poll in which women run and vote.
New polls were called a year early after the emir dissolved Parliament last month after a crisis over electoral reform.
Many observers, including those women running, realise they have a small chance of success due to little time to prepare campaigns, being relatively unknown and inexpe-rienced in political circles and facing tough opposition from more seasoned male politicians.
"This is something we've been looking for, for many years. I had my own belief one day we will get this right. It was a dream come true," said independent woman candidate, Salwa Saeed, 33. "I am pessimistic on women winning due to many obstacles, but it is enough to take part with no fear in the polls battle."
