Kuwait’s emir dissolves parliament, suspends some constitution articles after post-elections deadlock

Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the parliament on Friday (May 10) and has taken some of its tasks upon himself, reported the country’s state media. The move comes weeks after the tiny nation along the Persian Gulf held its elections.

What did the emir say?

In a televised speech on Friday, the emir said he has also suspended several articles of the constitution and that the suspension may remain for a “period of no more than four years,” without elaborating.

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, and the royal-appointed cabinet will assume some powers of the 50-member National Assembly, he said.

“The unhealthy atmosphere experienced by Kuwait in previous years has encouraged the spread of corruption to reach most state facilities, and unfortunately it reached the security and economic institutions,” said the ruler, adding that “it has even affected the justice system”.

“We have faced difficulties and obstacles that cannot be tolerated,” said the Emir.

About the elections last month

Last month’s elections were the first to be held under Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah who came to power last December after the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

The country, which is home to 4.2 million people and is also one of the wealthiest in the world on a per capita basis, is typically seen as one of the more democratic Gulf monarchies as elected officials also hold some real power.

However, Kuwait has reportedly witnessed a rise in domestic political turmoil as the assembly and the appointed government have been in a deadlock for decades which has led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of parliament.

This deadlock has also reportedly prevented the enactment of basic reforms in the country.

The elections in April were the fourth to be held in as many years, again after the emir dissolved parliament at short notice. The newly formed parliament was to meet for the first time on Monday (May 13), but several politicians had refused to participate in the government.

“Kuwait has been through some hard times lately...which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests,” said the Emir.

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah added that he would “never allow the misuse of democracy to destroy the state, because of the interests of the people of Kuwait, which are above all.”

(With inputs from agencies)