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Saudi king to appoint more women to Shura Council

November 17, 2016 at 2:42 pm

King Salman is expected to freshen up the Shura Council with 75 new members, at least 15 of whom will be women, by the end of the year, reported the Saudi Gazette.

According to the by law, which specifies the rights and duties of members “at least 20 per cent of the Shura members will be women”.

The Shura Council is a principal institution of the government in the decision making process. The Council of Ministers depends largely on the consultative body before issuing its resolutions. Every cabinet session passes at least one resolution or bylaw approved or drafted by the Shura.

A Shura member should be a Saudi national by descent and upbringing, aged not less than 30 and a person known for his or her uprightness and competence.

The term of a Shura Council is four years beginning from the day mentioned in the royal decree and the new council will be formed two months before the expiry of the existing council’s term, according to the bylaw.

“If the new council was not formed before the expiry of the existing council’s term, the existing council will continue until a new council is formed. While appointing the new council it should be noted that at least 50 per cent of its members should be new,” the bylaw said.