Qatar held its first-ever legislative elections Saturday to select two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council. Qatar does not allow political parties, but the council has legislative authority over general state policies and the country’s budget. Hoping to make history, a handful of women ran in the elections, but none won their seats. This is candidate Aisha Hamam Al-Jasim.

Aisha Hamam al-Jasim: “I just say I’m strong. I’m capable. I see myself I am same fit like you as a man. I don’t see myself I am weaker. If you want to see me as weak, that is up to you, but I am not weak. I am in administrations.”

In the run-up to the vote, Qatari authorities detained at least 21 citizens who were peacefully protesting laws around the elections that bar certain people from running and voting.