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KUWAIT CITY - Voters in Kuwait lined up Saturday to vote in landmark parliamentary elections that could substantially change the legislative body of the tiny, oil-rich Gulf emirate following electoral reforms to reduce corruption and vote buying.

The elections come after Kuwait's ruler, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, dissolved parliament in March in the wake of increasingly acrimonious relationship between the cabinet, appointed by the ruler, and the 50-man legislative body.

The hope is that the new parliament will be more representative and be able to better work with the government's ministers.

Sawsan al-Mahmeed, a 45-year-old civil servant, said she was tired of the "cycle of crises between the two powers" and was voting for a change.

Part of that big change in Kuwait's politics is the role of women, who starting in 2005 can now run for office.

While none were elected in the 2006 contests, hopes are high this time around for the 27 women vying for office together with 248 men.