Let’s Talk Politics

Almost a year after the Prime Minister called for the dissolution of the government, the Kuwaiti National Assembly will be chosen in what is considered the first democratic process to be held in the small oil-producing state in a year.  On March 18, after constant bickering and political stalemate through much of 2007 and 2008, Emir Sabah al-Amahd al-Jaber al-Sabah dissolved the legislature and called for an election to be held on May 16.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Nasser Muhammed al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the legislature amidst allegations of misuse of public funds.  Nasser, a nephew of the Emir, was said to do so as to avoid a no confidence vote.

Important to note is the candidacy of Massouma al-Mubarak, the first Kuwaiti woman to hold a cabinet position.  Tomorrow she will become the first woman to run for a parliament.

Kuwait is controlled by an Emir, who is appointed by the royal family.  He appoints the Prime Minister.

Kuwait’s legislature is called the Majlis al-Umma, or the National Assembly.  It’s 50 members are elected to four-year terms in double-seat constituencies.

In the last election held in July 2006, the Bloc of Sunni Islamists captured 21 seats, giving them the majority.  The Shia and Popular Action Bloc finished in second with 9 seats, followed by the liberal National Action Bloc with 7 seats.