Kuwait held national elections for the fourth time in as many years as the oil-rich country seeks to break free from political gridlock. The elected assembly in Kuwait has more power than most in the Arab world, but has been in conflict with the government, which is appointed by the royal family. The recent elections come after Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, assumed power following the death of his half-brother in December. The new emir dissolved parliament in February after a lawmaker reportedly insulted him. Voters had the opportunity to choose among 200 candidates to fill 50 seats in the assembly, as there are no political parties in Kuwait.
Political disputes have been ongoing in Kuwait for years, particularly regarding changes to the welfare system. These disputes have resulted in the inability of the government to take on debt, despite the immense wealth generated from its oil reserves. The dissolution of parliament has been a frequent occurrence after failing to make progress. Last year, Kuwait’s Constitutional Court overturned a decree that annulled the parliament, leading to a series of annulments and elections for new parliaments. Kuwait, a nation with about 4.2 million people and the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves, has been a strong ally of the United States since the 1991 Gulf War that expelled Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces. The U.S. Army also has a presence in Kuwait, with around 13,500 American troops stationed there along with the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.
Kuwait stands out among its Gulf Arab neighbors with its democratically elected parliament that exercises some oversight on the ruling family. However, the ruling family still appoints the government and has the authority to dissolve the assembly at its discretion. The country has faced challenges due to political instability, affecting its ability to address economic concerns such as bloated public sector salaries. These issues have hindered Kuwait’s ability to effectively manage its finances, despite its significant oil wealth. The frequent dissolution of parliament and subsequent elections have created a cycle of political instability and obstruction of progress in addressing critical issues.
The current elections took place under the backdrop of domestic political disputes and challenges facing Kuwait. With a lack of political parties, voters had to choose among a large number of candidates to fill the seats in the assembly. The recent elections were the first since the new emir came into power, following the dissolution of parliament earlier in the year. The ongoing political turmoil in Kuwait has raised concerns about the country’s stability and its ability to address pressing economic and social issues. The conflict between the elected assembly and the ruling family continues to be a point of contention in Kuwait’s political landscape.
Despite facing challenges, Kuwait remains a key U.S. ally in the Middle East region. The country has served as a host for thousands of American troops and houses the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army. Kuwait’s strategic location and resources, including its substantial oil reserves, make it an important partner for the United States in the region. The recent elections and political developments in Kuwait highlight the complexities and dynamics of governance in the country, as well as the ongoing struggle to achieve political stability and economic prosperity. The outcome of the elections and the subsequent formation of the assembly will play a significant role in shaping Kuwait’s future direction and relationship with its allies.
