Saudi women vote for the first time

Women in Saudi Arabia voted in elections for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 12. The Post's Brian Murphy is in Riyadh covering the historic election. (Monica Akhtar and Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

By Brian Murphy-December 12

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The first Saudi women ever to cast ballots in the kingdom hugged, took souvenir selfies and spoke cautiously of more openings during groundbreaking elections Saturday that marked another step in social reforms but failed to stir a major turnout at the polls.

Women candidates and female voters cast their ballots for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia's local municipal elections on Saturday, Dec.12. (Reuters)

Saudi Women Vote for the First Time by Thavam Ratna