It is evident from the context that the expression “among themselves” in the Quranic verse just mentioned, refers to the whole community: hence, the legislative assembly or, to use a term well-known throughout Muslim history.
The majlis al-shura must be truly representative of the entire community, including both men and women.
Such a representative character can be achieved only through free and general elections; therefore, the members of the majlis must be elected by means of the widest possible suffrage, including both men and women.
The extent of that suffrage and the qualifications to be demanded of the voters like those of the candidates are details regarding which neither Qur’an nor Sunnah provides any clear-cut legislation, and which, consequently, are left to the discretion of the community in the light of the requirement of the time.