Kuwait Opposition Retains Parliamentary Majority Following Vote
Image Source: The Hindu
Results announced on April 5 reveal that opposition lawmakers have maintained a majority in Kuwait’s parliament, marking the Gulf state’s third parliamentary election in as many years, and coming just months into the reign of the new emir.
According to the official KUNA news agency, opposition candidates secured 29 seats out of the 50-member Assembly, mirroring last year’s election outcome. The composition of the new parliament closely resembles the outgoing one, with all but 11 lawmakers retaining their seats. Bader al-Saif, assistant professor of history at Kuwait University, commented, “No radical change was expected in the results,” noting that this represents one of the lowest change ratios observed.
The recurring parliamentary elections have become a norm for Kuwait, an OPEC member with seven percent of the world’s oil reserves and the Gulf’s most robust elected assembly. Yet, the persistent clashes between the national assembly and the royal-appointed cabinet have led to ongoing stalemates, hindering necessary reforms.
With minimal shifts in the parliamentary lineup, Saif predicts that the political deadlock will persist, anticipating potential confrontations, especially with the presence of outspoken newcomers.
Thursday’s election marks the first under the new emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who ascended to power in December following the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf. Sheikh Meshal emphasized reform in his inaugural address to the assembly, challenging both the cabinet and parliament. However, in February, the national assembly faced dissolution once more due to alleged constitutional violations, including “offensive and inappropriate language,” following a lawmaker’s response to the emir’s criticism.
This recent election holds particular significance as the new parliament will be tasked with approving Sheikh Meshal’s choice of crown prince, Kuwait’s future emir. Should the Assembly reject his nominee, Sheikh Meshal will present three candidates for parliamentary selection, marking an unprecedented move in Kuwait’s political landscape.
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