A historic first in Saudi Arabia --- women will be allowed to vote.
King Abdullah made the announcement on Sunday.
SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) KING ABDULLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA, SAYING:
"we refuse to marginalise the role of women in every aspect of Saudi society within religious boundaries."
They will also be allowed to run for office --- a significant change for a country where women have almost no role in public life.
They aren't permitted to drive and must have written approval from their husbands or male relatives to undergo certain medical procedures.
The king has been pushing for change but has been careful not to anger conservative clerics.
Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
