Kuwaiti women were granted full political rights

For the first time in Kuwait's history women are granted the right to vote and contest elections.

However, religious fundamentalists imposed a clause that requires women voters and politicians to abide by Islamic law. It is not yet certain whether that means women will have to respect a special dress code or have separate polling stations and elections campaigns.

The latest parliamentary decision put and end to women's long struggle for full suffrage, and is an important step for Kuwait's political evolution.

The first elections for which women are now allowed to run will take place in 2007.