Kuwait is holding elections as part of a political shift that follows a sustained crisis with the executive branch. About 305 candidates are contesting 50 seats in the new Parliament, the chamber tasked with addressing ongoing friction with the government. After the rulers’ resignation last April, Kuwait, a constitutional monarchy in the Gulf, has faced political instability marked by clashes between rulers and deputies. More than 795,000 voters will cast ballots to elect representatives in the second legislative election in two years.
During these two years, allegations of corruption have lingered, and deputies have been accused of failing to hold ministers to account. In defense, lawmakers argued that they were misusing the tools allowed to question government members. Crown Prince Mashaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Salah intervened on behalf of Emir Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on June 15, signaling a bid to stabilize the situation. The mass resignation of the executive two months earlier forced the dissolution of the National Assembly and cleared the path for new elections.
Observers describe these elections as the most inclusive Kuwaiti vote in the last decade. Some opposition groups had decided not to participate, a notable shift after long-standing pressure from Kuwaiti rulers who had promised Parliament would not be interfered with. Persistent political crises across the small Gulf state have produced a pattern of frequent parliamentary elections, with this contest marking the sixth such vote in ten years. The National Assembly of Kuwait, with 50 elected members and a cabinet appointed by the ruler, is widely regarded as the freest legislative body in the Gulf because it is the only assembly that exercises formal oversight of the government.
promises of reform
The campaign for this election featured speeches filled with pledges of political and economic reform for a country that remains a major oil exporter yet faces economic strains from the global pandemic and shifting markets. The crown prince stated that Kuwait would not involve itself in the selection of the people’s representatives or the processes of forming the next National Assembly. He affirmed that Parliament would be the master of its decisions and that no faction would receive preferential treatment. He also pledged to maintain a consistent and impartial stance toward all parties.
With a population of about 4.4 million, Kuwait hosts a large share of foreign workers who do not vote in national elections. Kuwait gained independence from the United Kingdom and adopted one of the region’s first constitutions in 1962. Yet ongoing political volatility has hampered full economic development. In this electoral cycle, many candidates looked to neighboring countries, including Iran, hoping the courage seen on the streets might resonate with voters and eventually secure seats in the Kuwaiti National Assembly.