A BAHRAINI woman who announced her candidacy for next year’s parliamentary elections hopes more females run for public office.

Businesswoman Fouzia Zainal is making a comeback after being defeated in the parliamentary and municipal elections of 2006.

She secured 2,599 votes in the Central Governorate’s eighth constituency, which covers Riffa, Ma’ameer and Nuwaidrat.

She also pulled out of the 2010 elections to take care of her ill husband, but told the GDN yesterday she was ready to encourage more women to take up decision-making roles.

“This time I feel it’s the right time to contest and I may win a parliament seat,” she said.

“I feel my step will help several other potential Bahraini females to come forward and contest for the top job.

“We need to improve the image of a parliamentarian in Bahrain and acknowledge their efforts.”

She added it was premature to announce the issues she plans to highlight during her campaign.

“I do not want to get into these details as it is too early,” she said.

“All I want in general is a good lifestyle for everyone in Bahrain.”

Ms Zainal is also a well-known media personality who previously worked for Bahrain Television.

The GDN earlier reported that her posters were defaced and tent vandalised during the 2006 election.

Eight women were among the 127 candidates who contested in 2010.

A study that was released in August showed that more Bahraini women could stand in next year’s elections.

The study, A View of Bahraini Women’s Political Stance, was conducted by Bahraini author and media expert Nooh Al Khalifa.

He surveyed 300 women from different political backgrounds and found that 56.9 per cent of female voters believe women were more capable of supporting various development issues in the country.