Kuwait Parliament Dissolved: Implications
Kuwait Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday ordered to dissolve the National Assembly (Parliament) and suspending some articles of the Constitution for no more than four years, pending “revision of the democratic process it its entirety.” This is the second time in last four months the Amir is dissolving the Parliament. Article 107 of Kuwait’s Constitution outlines the conditions and procedures for dissolving the National Assembly. It grants the Amir the authority to dissolve the parliament by decree, with certain limitations and conditions.
As per the Constitution the Amir can dissolve the parliament after consulting with the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers, and he must announce the dissolution within a specific timeframe before new elections are held.
In an address to the nation on Friday evening, the Amir said, “The State of Kuwait has undergone challenging times that left repercussions on all aspects of life and created negative reality.”
“We, as entrusted with looking after this state and its people, had to offer counselling and guidance once and again in order to get out of these conditions with least possible losses.
“Unfortunately, we have faced some unimaginable. unbearable difficulties and impediments. Some people attempted resolutely to shut down every way out of the bitter reality.
“We were left with no option other than taking this hard decision to rescue the country and protect its higher national interests and resources of the nation,” the Amir explained.
Kuwait has a form of government known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that while the country has a monarch (the Amir), there is also a constitution that outlines the powers and duties of the government, including the roles of elected representatives and the functioning of various institutions. In Kuwait, the Parliament holds significant power, with members elected by the Kuwaiti citizens. So, while there is a monarch, there are also democratic elements within the system.
In April this year, during the elections that was held after the Parliament was dissolved in February by Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Opposition lawmakers maintained a majority in Kuwait’s parliament. This election was third since 2022 and the fourth in five years, according to Arab News.
KUNA, a news agency funded by the Kuwait government, had reported that the Opposition candidates won 29 seats in the 50-member assembly matching the outcome of last year’s election, which was held due to the same reasons of dissolution.
Turnout was around 62 percent after polling stations closed at midnight, the information ministry said.
Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was once the world’s oldest crown prince, came to power aged 83 in last December after the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf.
It was expected when the elections were held that the new parliament will be tasked with approving Sheikh Mishal’s choice of crown prince, Kuwait’s future emir.
The implications
The decision by the Emir of Kuwait to dissolve the National Assembly (parliament) and suspend certain articles of the Constitution for up to four years represents a significant departure from typical democratic processes and has several implications specific to Kuwait”s political context:
Centralization of Power:
This move consolidates power in the hands of the ruling monarchy by suspending key aspects of the constitution and dissolving the elected parliament. It effectively sidelines elected representatives and concentrates authority within the monarchy.
Limitation of Democratic Freedoms:
The suspension of constitutional articles and the dissolution of parliament restrict the functioning of democratic institutions in Kuwait. Citizens may perceive this as a rollback of democratic freedoms and a move towards greater authoritarianism.
Political Stability:
While the dissolution of parliament may be intended to address perceived political instability or gridlock, it also risks exacerbating tensions within Kuwaiti society. The absence of a functioning parliament could lead to increased social unrest or dissatisfaction among certain segments of the population.
International Relations:
The suspension of democratic institutions in Kuwait may have implications for the country”s standing in the international community. It could lead to scrutiny from international organizations and governments regarding Kuwait”s commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
Economic Impact:
Political instability or uncertainty resulting from the dissolution of parliament could have economic repercussions, including reduced investor confidence and potential disruptions to economic policies and development initiatives.
Public Perception and Reaction:
The decision is likely to evoke varied reactions from the Kuwaiti population, ranging from support for the monarchy”s actions to concerns about the erosion of democratic norms. Public opinion and potential protests could shape the trajectory of Kuwaiti politics in the coming years.
