Kuwait's parliament dissolved, crown prince announces new elections

Kuwait's Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has announced the dissolution of the 2020 National Assembly and the call for new elections in the coming months. The decision was made based on Article 107 of the constitution, which allows for such action as a constitutional solution. In a speech given on behalf of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince stated that the decision was a victory for the popular will and that the people of Kuwait would have the final say in determining their fate. He also emphasized the need to adhere to the constitution, respect the will of the people, and rally around the leadership of the Supreme Commander, His Highness, the Emir of the country.

The Gulf Arab state, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has been grappling with prolonged bickering between the government and elected parliament that has hampered fiscal reforms. Parliament had been dissolved last year in a bid to end the feuding and early elections were held in September, in which the opposition made gains. The Constitutional Court in March annulled the polls and restored the previous assembly.

The decision to dissolve the National Assembly came after the Constitutional Court ruled on March 19 to invalidate the 2022 National Assembly due to the invalidity of the decree dissolving the 2020 parliament and reinstating the latter. The court also nullified the parliamentary elections process that took place last September in the five constituencies and invalidated the membership of those declared victorious. To accompany the decision to dissolve the National Assembly, the Crown Prince announced a set of political and legal reforms aimed at transferring the state to a new stage of discipline and legal reference. The reforms aim to prevent disagreements and abuse of power by the legislative and executive authorities and ensure the impartiality and integrity of the judicial authority by strengthening the system of governance in its composition and competencies.
The announcement comes amid a political scene in Kuwait that has caused anxiety among citizens, and the Crown Prince's decision to dissolve the National Assembly is seen as a step towards resolving the situation and restoring stability to the country.Kuwait is considered a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a high degree of political freedom and participation. The country has a unicameral National Assembly, which is composed of 50 members elected for four-year terms. Kuwaiti citizens have the right to vote and run for office, and political parties are legal but are not allowed to be based on religion or ethnicity. The Emir of Kuwait serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Emir, serves as the head of government.