Kuwaiti general election, 2008

In the parliamentary elections in Kuwait on 17 May 2008, approximately 360,000 voters of the population of 3.4 million were eligible to vote. Of the 3.4 million inhabitants, have only about one million Kuwaiti nationality. In total, 275 candidates competed for the 50 seats, including 27 women. The early election was necessary because there were disputes between the government and some MPs over many policy areas, including a salary increase for employees in the public service again and again. Emir Sabah al -Ahmad al - Jabir al- Sabah had dissolved the parliament of the Gulf state in March and scheduled early elections. As in the emirate Political parties are not allowed, the field of candidates was confusing. In addition to six loose formations that were previously represented in the Parliament of Kuwait, there were many independent candidates. Voters were able to cast their vote in one of the 94 polling stations in the five constituencies. Men and women cast their votes separately. Are entitled to vote all Kuwaitis aged 21 years, except for members of the military and the security forces.

Electioneering

The election campaign in the last two months would be overshadowed by numerous protests, arrests and generally prevailing confusion after the state had ordered the new constituencies, so as to allow in the hope that a more balanced Parliament occupation. Several candidates had been arrested for buying votes. Furthermore, there were several arrests for suspicion of illegally performed primaries.

Tasks and Historical about the Kuwaiti Parliament

The Kuwaiti parliament has the task to approve the state budget and all major laws. The right to minister to undergo a hearing is, surprisingly often claimed, often they are then forced to resign. Since the first elections in 1963, the Emir and his predecessors have now five times already dissolved parliament -. 2008, 2006, 1999, 1986 and 1976 According to Kuwaiti law must be held within 60 days after the dissolution new elections, this law was, however, repeatedly disregarded. So it took five years in 1976 to form the new Parliament, after 1986 it was six years. The right to stand as candidates and voting rights for women were introduced in Kuwait in 2005. In the last elections in 2006 none of the candidates is occurring got enough votes to make it to parliament.

Election result

After counting almost all votes gives the following result:

The turnout was, according to the state television is estimated at more than 75 per cent for men and more than 50 percent among women.