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Election Date: July 4, 2003

At stake: National Assembly

Background

The Kuwaiti election yielded unexpected results. Despite the absence of organized political parties, a block of Islamist members emerged victorious, holding 21 seats in the National Assembly. Traditionalists—members who support both the cabinet and the royal family—elected 14 legislators.

Kuwaiti liberals expected significant gains as a result of the downfall of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but were reduced to only three members. The liberals had promised closer ties with the United States, but an alliance between Islamists and traditionalists might block further efforts of westernization.

The new balance of power might be a setback for Kuwaiti women, who are barred from the elections although an article in the 1962 constitution guarantees equal status for both genders. Only Kuwaiti-born males over 21—and naturalized citizens who have been in the country for a minimum of 20 years—are eligible to vote. Police and military personnel are also not allowed to cast ballots. Out of almost 900,000 possible voters, the electoral list used in the Jul. 5 election had around 130,000 names.

In 1999, Emir al-Sabah proposed giving women the right to vote and run for office, but the bill was defeated in the Assembly.

The Kuwaiti parliament votes on each and every law, but can be dissolved at any moment by the Emir. The key political player in the country is prime minister Sabah al Ahmed al Sabah—brother of the reigning Emir—who was re-appointed to the post on Jul. 13. Both current Emir Jaber-al Ahmed al-Sabah and crown prince Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah—who acted as prime minister from 1978 to 2003—are in their 70s.

On Jul. 19, the Constitutional Court received a complaint over the outcome of the parliamentary elections. The grivance alleged that voting was stopped for more than an hour in four constituencies during a lunch break, a violation of the Elections Law, which calls for stations to remain open without interruption from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Political parties are not allowed in Kuwait, but informal alliances and blocks exist within the National Assembly.

Political Players

Emir: Jaber al-Ahmed al-Sabah
Prime minister: Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah

The Emir is the constitutional ruler of the country, chosen by the royal family but subject to the consent of the National Assembly. The Emir appoints the Prime Minister.

Legislative Branch: The Majlis al-Umma (National Assembly) has 50 members elected to four-year terms in double seat constituencies, as well as ministers who sit as ex-officio members.

Results of Last Election:

National Assembly - Jul. 4, 2003

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