CAIRO, Jan 18, (KUNA): The political system in Kuwait is truly a democracy, and the small state is leaps ahead of other Arab countries in its rich and unique experience where there is an elected parliament, a head of government who could be questioned or even subjected to a “no confidence” vote, said deputy chief of Middle East News Agency on Wednesday.
Mahmoud Al-Naggar told KUNA Kuwait is led by a senior and first rate statesman, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who shows wisdom in handling the affairs of his subjects and preserves the separation of authorities and upholds the law and the state’s constitution.
Such system allowed Kuwait to precede other countries in many fields, especially freedom of publication and expression as well as allow for translation activities to thrive, and the latter served as beacon of enlightenment for the entire Arab region.
This freedom brought about a cultural renaissance that was reflected by the issue of many papers and magazines of different interests and stances on issues of politics, economy, culture, society, and sports, among others.
The freedom also allowed for political stability and economic prosperity for the public, which protects the country against the tougher storms and more biting winds that often sweep across the Arab region.
Deputy Editor in Chief for Arab affairs at Al-Ahram Tahani Al-Burtuqali meanwhile said the secret to Kuwait’s political and social stability is the wisdom with which His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad handles the helm.
“Having seen what goes on under the roof of Abdullah Al-Salem Hall at the Kuwaiti National Assembly, with MPs harshly criticizing the government and being heard without bearing a grudge, I never sensed any peril to Kuwait’s political future.” The journalist said true democracy in Kuwait means that the Kuwaiti citizens enjoy considerable maturity that allows them to experience a free and honest process, and she urged them to stay alert to hidden agendas.  The system also enjoys the protection of a wise ruling family that is well capable of steering things even at times of challenge, the journalist said, praising the Sabah family for what she called “very long breath and calm at the helm.”
Meanwhile, a second constituency candidate for the next parliamentary elections called for speeding up the implementation of the national development blueprint.
Addressing his supporters, Mohammad Flaitah underscored the significance of political reforms as a springboard for economic, social, educational and health reforms.
Although KD 4 billion have been so far spent on the country’s KD 37 billion development plan, no tangible results have been made on the ground, he said.
He also called for encouraging the private sector to play a more active role in the development process, supporting national products and small and medium-sized enterprises and protecting small investors.
Another candidate for the Second Constituency promised to work hard to protect national unity and empowering youth and women to play an influential role in Kuwaiti society.
Promoting his platform, Ahmad Jawhar said: “National unity is a red line that must not be overstepped.” He called for ensuring justice and equality among all members of the Kuwaiti society so that the nation’s national fabric can remain strong and firm.
He also vowed to support Kuwaiti women and to defend their rights and gains, reminding that women make up one half of the society. For his part, lawyer Adel Abdulhadi of the Second Constituency stressed the importance of ensuring judicial independence and rule of law.
He said in news remarks at his election headquarters emphasized that the freedom of speech and expression should be further unleashed. On youth, he said Kuwaiti young people should be allowed to get more involved in the country’s national development as they represent the “backbone of development projects”.
Abdulhadi also called for revamping health, educational and infrastructure services, and vowed to do his best to take more care of the disabled.