There is unlikely to be any democratic reform or move to an elected parliament before 2015, and political parties are expected to remain illegal. The king appoints the Council of Ministers and the Consultative Council, which has advisory powers. There are no parliamentary elections. The authorities have put on hold plans to introduce more elected representatives following the municipal elections in 2005. They have postponed the next set of municipal elections, originally scheduled for 2009, until at least 2011 to carry out further "studies". It is possible that, with the proliferation of demonstrations across the region, the government may view this as a propitious time to proceed with the municipal elections, in order to allow a veneer of inclusivity. Women cannot vote, but calls for their enfranchisement will grow.