At least 17 women registered victories in the local municipal council election, the first time in the history of the kingdom, after a historic vote on Saturday. 

The number of victorious female candidates was, however, a small percentage of the 2,106 people elected to the local governing bodies. 

979 women had contested in the elections, which was also the first time that voting was opened to women. 

Comparatively, about 6,000 male candidates stood for the civic elections. 

Victories for female candidates came in several provinces such as Mecca, Jeddah, Riyadh and other areas, according to Saudi Gazette. 

"I am a daughter of this country. The people have honored me by electing me to serve my motherland. I am proud of this honor,"  Khadra Al-Mubarak, who won in the Qatif region, told the newspaper

The voter turnout on Saturday stood below 50%, and female voters constituted 42% of the total votes polled, according to the General Committee for Municipal Elections. 

Arab News reported that 19 female candidates had been elected.