Saudi Arabia may allow women to vote and stand for election for the first time, it has been reported.
Under proposals outlined on Sunday by the Middle Eastern Kingdom's ruler King Abdullah, women would be allowed to take part in municipal elections, the nation's only public polls.
The plans would also see the appointment of women to the Shura Council. Saudi Arabia is an absolutist monarchy, but the council has the power to draft laws and propose them to the King.
"Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulama (clerics) and others... to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from the next term," King Abdullah said.
"Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote."
If enacted the law would mean women will first be able to take part in the elections in four years time. The next poll is set to take place on September 29, too soon to incorporate the new rules.
It is unclear whether the reforms are a reaction to the wave of anti-government protests that have swept the Midde East in recent months. So far the Saudi Arabian regime has managed to avoid demonstrations against its rule.
The kingdom is frequently criticised for its approach to women's rights. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that does not allow women to drive.