The Kuwaiti constitutional court, on Sunday (March 19), nullified the parliamentary elections held in September 2022 and ruled in favour of reinstating the previous parliament, said the state media. Last year’s legislative elections are said to be the most inclusive one in the past decade or so. The elections were marked by the opposition making significant gains and clinching the parliamentary majority.

“The Kuwaiti Constitutional Court issued a verdict on Sunday, annulling the results of the 2022 National Assembly elections,”&nbsp;reported the official KUNA news agency, as per AFP. The verdict was given while citing discrepancies in the decree dissolving the previous parliament, said the state media report.&nbsp;

The court also ruled to reinstate the parliament that was elected in 2020 but had to be dissolved following orders by the crown prince in June.

“The constitutional authority of the dissolved parliament shall be restored as of the date of this ruling,” said Justice Mohammad bin Naji on Sunday. The country, which is also an OPEC oil producer and one of the world's biggest oil exporters, has banned political parties but has given its legislature more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies.

Kuwait’s crown prince had dissolved the parliament last year and called for an early election in a bid to end the prolonged domestic political feuding which was hindering fiscal reforms in the oil-rich Gulf state.&nbsp; 
 
Among all the Gulf Arab states, Kuwait has the freest and most active assembly but political power is largely concentrated in the hands of the ruling Al Sabah family, which appoints the prime minister and cabinet, and can dissolve the assembly at any time. 
 
The most inclusive voting last year also led to the opposition members, many of whom had previously opted out of polls for a decade or so over alleged meddling by the executive authorities over parliament, getting elected. Out of the 50 seats in the Kuwaiti parliament, 28 were won by opposition members in the election as&nbsp;voters sent conservative Islamist figures and two women to the assembly. The election results were seen as a mandate for change amid a prolonged period of gridlock between the Cabinet and the 50-member assembly. 
 
Notably, while Kuwait is the only Gulf Arab state with a fully elected parliament, political stability in the country has typically depended on cooperation between the government and parliament. However, the country has also witnessed repeated political crises which have led to the paralysing of the state and disputes with the cabinet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Kuwaiti constitutional court, on Sunday (March 19), nullified the parliamentary elections held in September 2022 and ruled in favour of reinstating the previous parliament, said the state media.

The Kuwaiti constitutional court, on Sunday (March 19), nullified the parliamentary elections held in September 2022 and ruled in favour of reinstating the previous parliament, said the state media. Last year’s legislative elections are said to be the most inclusive one in the past decade or so. The elections were marked by the opposition making significant gains and clinching the parliamentary majority. “The Kuwaiti Constitutional Court issued a verdict on Sunday, annulling the results of the 2022 National Assembly elections,” reported the official KUNA news agency, as per AFP. The verdict was given while citing discrepancies in the decree dissolving the previous parliament, said the state media report. The court also ruled to reinstate the parliament that was elected in 2020 but had to be dissolved following orders by the crown prince in June. “The constitutional authority of the dissolved parliament shall be restored as of the date of this ruling,” said Justice Mohammad bin Naji on Sunday. The country, which is also an OPEC oil producer and one of the world's biggest oil exporters, has banned political parties but has given its legislature more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies. Kuwait’s crown prince had dissolved the parliament last year and called for an early election in a bid to end the prolonged domestic political feuding which was hindering fiscal reforms in the oil-rich Gulf state. Among all the Gulf Arab states, Kuwait has the freest and most active assembly but political power is largely concentrated in the hands of the ruling Al Sabah family, which appoints the prime minister and cabinet, and can dissolve the assembly at any time. The most inclusive voting last year also led to the opposition members, many of whom had previously opted out of polls for a decade or so over alleged meddling by the executive authorities over parliament, getting elected. Out of the 50 seats in the Kuwaiti parliament, 28 were won by opposition members in the election as voters sent conservative Islamist figures and two women to the assembly. The election results were seen as a mandate for change amid a prolonged period of gridlock between the Cabinet and the 50-member assembly. Notably, while Kuwait is the only Gulf Arab state with a fully elected parliament, political stability in the country has typically depended on cooperation between the government and parliament. However, the country has also witnessed repeated political crises which have led to the paralysing of the state and disputes with the cabinet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kuwait court nullifies 2022 elections, reinstates previous parliament

Kuwait is holding parliamentary elections Saturday under the shadow of Covid-19, with facilities laid on for citizens infected with the disease to vote in special polling stations.

The oil-rich country has enforced some of the strictest regulations in the Gulf to combat the spread of the coronavirus, imposing a months-long nationwide lockdown earlier this year.

But while some curbs have eased, over-the-top election events that traditionally draw thousands for lavish banquets are out, masks remain mandatory and temperature checks are routine when venturing outdoors.&nbsp;

Infected people or those under mandatory quarantine are usually confined to home, with electronic wristbands monitoring their movements.&nbsp;

But in an effort to include all constituents, authorities have designated five schools -- one in each electoral district -- where they can vote, among the 102 polling stations across the country.

Election officials are expected to be in full personal protective equipment.&nbsp;

- Dulled-down campaign -

Unlike other oil-rich Gulf states, Kuwait has a lively political life with a parliament elected for four-year terms that enjoys wide legislative powers.

Political disputes are often fought out in the open.

Parties are neither banned nor recognised, but many groups -- including Islamists -- operate freely as de facto parties.

But with more than 143,917 coronavirus cases to date, including 886 deaths, the election campaign has been toned down this year.

The polls, which open at 8:00 am (0500 GMT), will be the first since the new emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, took office in September following the death of his half-brother, 91-year-old Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

But with the opposition weakened in recent years, no major political shifts are expected.

A few electoral banners dotted through the streets have been the only reminder of the nation's political calendar.

Instead, this year's campaign has mainly been fought on social networks and in the media.

- 'More dynamic' -

More than 567,000 Kuwaiti voters will be eligible to choose among the 326 candidates contesting the vote, including 29 women.

Ahmad Deyain,&nbsp;secretary general&nbsp;of the opposition group Kuwaiti Progressive Movement, said he expected a lower voter turnout than previous years after the dulled-down campaign.

The usual themes are a constant though, from promises to fight corruption and plans to address youth employment, to freedom of expression, housing, education and the thorny issue of the "bidoon", Kuwait's stateless minority.

From 2009 to 2013, and especially after the Arab Spring revolts of 2011, the country went through a period of political turmoil, with parliament and cabinets dissolved several times after disputes between lawmakers and the ruling family-led government.

"Kuwait is still undergoing a political crisis since 2011, and that page has not yet turned," Deyain told AFP.

"There are still disputes over the electoral system and mismanagement of state funds.&nbsp;

Deyain said he expected some parliamentarians in the new National Assembly to be "more dynamic" in trying to resolve some issues.

Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab state to adopt a parliamentary system in 1962, and women in 2005 won the right to vote and to stand for election.&nbsp;

Kuwait is holding parliamentary elections Saturday under the shadow of Covid-19, with facilities laid on for citizens infected with the disease to vote in special polling stations.

Kuwait is holding parliamentary elections Saturday under the shadow of Covid-19, with facilities laid on for citizens infected with the disease to vote in special polling stations. The oil-rich country has enforced some of the strictest regulations in the Gulf to combat the spread of the coronavirus, imposing a months-long nationwide lockdown earlier this year. But while some curbs have eased, over-the-top election events that traditionally draw thousands for lavish banquets are out, masks remain mandatory and temperature checks are routine when venturing outdoors. Infected people or those under mandatory quarantine are usually confined to home, with electronic wristbands monitoring their movements. But in an effort to include all constituents, authorities have designated five schools -- one in each electoral district -- where they can vote, among the 102 polling stations across the country. Election officials are expected to be in full personal protective equipment. - Dulled-down campaign - Unlike other oil-rich Gulf states, Kuwait has a lively political life with a parliament elected for four-year terms that enjoys wide legislative powers. Political disputes are often fought out in the open. Parties are neither banned nor recognised, but many groups -- including Islamists -- operate freely as de facto parties. But with more than 143,917 coronavirus cases to date, including 886 deaths, the election campaign has been toned down this year. The polls, which open at 8:00 am (0500 GMT), will be the first since the new emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, took office in September following the death of his half-brother, 91-year-old Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. But with the opposition weakened in recent years, no major political shifts are expected. A few electoral banners dotted through the streets have been the only reminder of the nation's political calendar. Instead, this year's campaign has mainly been fought on social networks and in the media. - 'More dynamic' - More than 567,000 Kuwaiti voters will be eligible to choose among the 326 candidates contesting the vote, including 29 women. Ahmad Deyain, secretary general of the opposition group Kuwaiti Progressive Movement, said he expected a lower voter turnout than previous years after the dulled-down campaign. The usual themes are a constant though, from promises to fight corruption and plans to address youth employment, to freedom of expression, housing, education and the thorny issue of the "bidoon", Kuwait's stateless minority. From 2009 to 2013, and especially after the Arab Spring revolts of 2011, the country went through a period of political turmoil, with parliament and cabinets dissolved several times after disputes between lawmakers and the ruling family-led government. "Kuwait is still undergoing a political crisis since 2011, and that page has not yet turned," Deyain told AFP. "There are still disputes over the electoral system and mismanagement of state funds. Deyain said he expected some parliamentarians in the new National Assembly to be "more dynamic" in trying to resolve some issues. Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab state to adopt a parliamentary system in 1962, and women in 2005 won the right to vote and to stand for election.

Kuwait parliamentary race kicks off under shadow of pandemic

Islamist-dominated opposition groups and their allies secured nearly half of the Kuwaiti parliament&#39;s seats, official election results showed Sunday, raising fears of fresh political wrangling in the oil-rich Gulf state.

The opposition and its allies won 24 of the assembly&#39;s 50 seats, the electoral authority announced following Saturday&#39;s snap election called after a dispute over the hiking of petrol prices. The Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition contested the election after a four-year boycott in protest over the government&#39;s amendment of the key voting system.

Around half of the opposition candidates who won seats are Islamists from a Muslim Brotherhood-linked group and Salafists. Voters dealt a heavy blow to candidates from the outgoing parliament, with more than half of them failing to make it into the new assembly.

Two of three cabinet ministers also failed in their bid for re-election. &quot;Surprise,&quot; read the main headline on the website of Al-Qabas newspaper, adding that the election had resulted in a &quot;62-percent change&quot; in the parliament.&nbsp;

One third of the members of the new parliament are relatively young and fresh on the political scene.

Only one woman was elected and the Muslim Shiite minority was reduced to six seats from nine in the previous house.

But despite the outcome, Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is set to ask the incumbent prime minister or another leading figure from the ruling family to form a new cabinet. &quot;I think this composition will lead to confrontations between opposition MPs and&nbsp;the next government,&quot; political analyst Mohammad al-Ajmi told AFP.

&quot;There are many issues that could spark disputes: economic measures, revoking of citizenships and others,&quot; said Ajmi.

In the past two years, the government revoked the citizenship of several leading opposition figures and their family members, citing various motives. The emir called the election after dissolving the previous parliament due to a dispute over increasing petrol prices. Hours after the results were issued, he congratulated the winners for the &quot;trust&quot; given to them by voters, wishing them success in &quot;serving the homeland&quot;.

Saturday&#39;s election saw a turnout of about 70 percent amid divisions over cuts in subsidies due to falling oil revenues.

&#39;Confrontations from day one&#39;?&nbsp; 
 
Analyst Dahem al-Qahtani said the opposition had made an &quot;impressive showing&quot;. &quot;Kuwaiti voters have punished those who let them down... and rejected the austerity measures,&quot; he told AFP.

Qahtani said for the government to prevent a standoff, it should make initiatives for cooperation with the opposition. &quot;If the government makes such initiatives, it may succeed in striking a needed political balance and avoid disputes,&quot; he said.

&quot;If not, confrontations could start from day one,&quot; Qahtani said.

Kuwait was rocked with a series of political crises between 2006 and 2013 when an entirely pro-government parliament was elected.

A majority of the elected MPs have openly said they would oppose any austerity measures by the government to boost non-oil income. The government&#39;s overwhelming control in the previous assembly has been reduced to a fragile majority.

The majority is because unelected cabinet ministers also become members of parliament, helping to consolidate the grip of the Al-Sabah ruling family. Unlike other oil-rich Gulf Arab states, Kuwait has an elected parliament with powers to hold ministers to account, even though senior members of the ruling family hold all top cabinet posts.

The set-up has led to repeated standoffs between lawmakers and the ruling family and Saturday&#39;s vote was the seventh general election in a decade. But the strength of the opposition allows them to grill ministers and possibly even vote them out of office.

The election came with Kuwait facing its most acute budget crisis in years. Oil income, which accounts for 95 percent of government revenues, has nosedived by 60 percent in the past two years.

The OPEC member posted its first budget deficit of $15 billion last year following 16 years of surpluses.

Kuwait&#39;s native citizens make up about 30 percent of its 4.4 million population. The emirate pumps 3.0 million barrels of oil daily.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The snap election was called after a dispute over the hiking of petrol prices

Islamist-dominated opposition groups and their allies secured nearly half of the Kuwaiti parliament's seats, official election results showed Sunday, raising fears of fresh political wrangling in the oil-rich Gulf state. The opposition and its allies won 24 of the assembly's 50 seats, the electoral authority announced following Saturday's snap election called after a dispute over the hiking of petrol prices. The Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition contested the election after a four-year boycott in protest over the government's amendment of the key voting system. Around half of the opposition candidates who won seats are Islamists from a Muslim Brotherhood-linked group and Salafists. Voters dealt a heavy blow to candidates from the outgoing parliament, with more than half of them failing to make it into the new assembly. Two of three cabinet ministers also failed in their bid for re-election. "Surprise," read the main headline on the website of Al-Qabas newspaper, adding that the election had resulted in a "62-percent change" in the parliament. One third of the members of the new parliament are relatively young and fresh on the political scene. Only one woman was elected and the Muslim Shiite minority was reduced to six seats from nine in the previous house. But despite the outcome, Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is set to ask the incumbent prime minister or another leading figure from the ruling family to form a new cabinet. "I think this composition will lead to confrontations between opposition MPs and the next government," political analyst Mohammad al-Ajmi told AFP. "There are many issues that could spark disputes: economic measures, revoking of citizenships and others," said Ajmi. In the past two years, the government revoked the citizenship of several leading opposition figures and their family members, citing various motives. The emir called the election after dissolving the previous parliament due to a dispute over increasing petrol prices. Hours after the results were issued, he congratulated the winners for the "trust" given to them by voters, wishing them success in "serving the homeland". Saturday's election saw a turnout of about 70 percent amid divisions over cuts in subsidies due to falling oil revenues. 'Confrontations from day one'? Analyst Dahem al-Qahtani said the opposition had made an "impressive showing". "Kuwaiti voters have punished those who let them down... and rejected the austerity measures," he told AFP. Qahtani said for the government to prevent a standoff, it should make initiatives for cooperation with the opposition. "If the government makes such initiatives, it may succeed in striking a needed political balance and avoid disputes," he said. "If not, confrontations could start from day one," Qahtani said. Kuwait was rocked with a series of political crises between 2006 and 2013 when an entirely pro-government parliament was elected. A majority of the elected MPs have openly said they would oppose any austerity measures by the government to boost non-oil income. The government's overwhelming control in the previous assembly has been reduced to a fragile majority. The majority is because unelected cabinet ministers also become members of parliament, helping to consolidate the grip of the Al-Sabah ruling family. Unlike other oil-rich Gulf Arab states, Kuwait has an elected parliament with powers to hold ministers to account, even though senior members of the ruling family hold all top cabinet posts. The set-up has led to repeated standoffs between lawmakers and the ruling family and Saturday's vote was the seventh general election in a decade. But the strength of the opposition allows them to grill ministers and possibly even vote them out of office. The election came with Kuwait facing its most acute budget crisis in years. Oil income, which accounts for 95 percent of government revenues, has nosedived by 60 percent in the past two years. The OPEC member posted its first budget deficit of $15 billion last year following 16 years of surpluses. Kuwait's native citizens make up about 30 percent of its 4.4 million population. The emirate pumps 3.0 million barrels of oil daily. (AFP)

Kuwait elections: Opposition wins nearly half of Parliament seats

Kuwait&#39;s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has issued a decree dissolving the Gulf state&#39;s parliament, the official KUNA news agency reported, following tensions between the legislature and government.

&quot;Due to the delicate regional developments and the need to face the dangers of security challenges, it became necessary to go back to the people... to elect their representatives... and contribute to confronting those challenges,&quot; he said in a decree.

The decree was issued at the recommendation of the government at an emergency meeting earlier on Sunday to discuss the standoff. Lawmakers had filed three requests to grill ministers over a decision to hike petrol prices and over alleged financial and administrative violations.&nbsp;

The announcement has set the stage for early elections.&nbsp;Under Kuwait&#39;s constitution, elections must be held within two months of the dissolution of the house.

The decision came less than 24 hours after parliament speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem called for snap elections in the face of mounting security and economic challenges. The last parliamentary elections were held in 2013 in Kuwait.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The announcement which came after an emergency government meeting on Sunday has set the stage for early elections in the Gulf state

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has issued a decree dissolving the Gulf state's parliament, the official KUNA news agency reported, following tensions between the legislature and government. "Due to the delicate regional developments and the need to face the dangers of security challenges, it became necessary to go back to the people... to elect their representatives... and contribute to confronting those challenges," he said in a decree. The decree was issued at the recommendation of the government at an emergency meeting earlier on Sunday to discuss the standoff. Lawmakers had filed three requests to grill ministers over a decision to hike petrol prices and over alleged financial and administrative violations. The announcement has set the stage for early elections. Under Kuwait's constitution, elections must be held within two months of the dissolution of the house. The decision came less than 24 hours after parliament speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem called for snap elections in the face of mounting security and economic challenges. The last parliamentary elections were held in 2013 in Kuwait. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh al-Sabah dissolves Parliament

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Kuwait court nullifies 2022 elections, reinstates previous parliament

Kuwait parliamentary race kicks off under shadow of pandemic

Kuwait elections: Opposition wins nearly half of Parliament seats

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh al-Sabah dissolves Parliament