Kuwaiti citizens vote for a new parliament on Thursday, which recorded some impressive changes, as far as the statute of Muslim women in that country is concerned, Reuters informs. Women could not only cast their ballots but could also run for different offices and mandates in the National Assembly in national poll for the first time in the recorded history of the state.

Needless to say, Kuwaiti women were in awe, since it is a worldwide known fact that Muslim women have a lesser statute, especially in the political field: Hind al-Shaikh, one of the female candidates was quoted by Reuters as saying: "I don't know how to describe my feelings, I am so happy, it's a beautiful day as women practice their right".

Women's ability to highlight their participation in the Kuwaiti political sphere is a result of a law passed by Kuwaiti parliament in May of 2005 which stipulates that women possess the right to vote, as well as be candidates in elections that deal with the National Assembly seats.

The 28 women that are registered candidates, out of a total of 250, will nevertheless have quite a tough job ahead of them since they have to overcome their male political rivals, who are more experienced, since many of them have already held official positions and are now seeking re-election.

This round of elections was the consequence of the parliament being dissolved last month by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, after a political stalemate between the government and the opposition regarding reforms in the electoral realm, was reached. The opposition accuses the government of dubious intentions regarding the transformation of the parliament into a "puppet" through the votes they buy, but the government denied these charges, stating its policies are all about reforms.