Democratization

My Government & Politics of the Middle East professor was very excited about developments in Bahrain: the first elections in three decades were held, after the king declared the country a constitutional monarchy earlier this year. She was especially excited because women were allowed to vote and run for office. The NYTimes was much less excited, publishing a short but informative blurb on the matter. According to the blurb, 30 of 306 candidates for the municipal council seats were women, but none of the 50 winners were. Still, it's a very good beginning, and perhaps women will do better in this fall's parliamentary elections. Even if they don't, it's encouraging to see a measured, non-violent movement towards representative government.