KUWAIT CITY, March 31: The Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Monday, agreed to publish a decree calling for the registration of candidates — for the upcoming elections — from next week, reliable sources told the Arab Times. Justice Minister Jamal Shehab, on the other hand, briefed the Cabinet on the preparations made for the elections on May 17, particularly mechanisms for counting votes and other electoral procedures, which are aimed at announcing poll results on the same day or a day after the elections, at the latest. Sources added the Cabinet also discussed the resignation of State Minister for Housing and National Assembly Affairs Abdulwahid Al-Awadhi and Commerce and Industry Minister Falah Al-Hajeri in view of their plans to stand for the next elections. Sources clarified the ministers’ resignation have proven that accusations on their alleged violation of electoral regulations are baseless.
Sources said the Cabinet also discussed earlier decisions issued against Al-Hajeri and ordered the Citizens Service Apparatus (CSA) to investigate violations allegedly committed during the hand over of ministerial responsibilities. In related developments, sources said Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah presented a report on measures the Ministry is currently taking to track down organizers of tribal elections and investigate allegations of fraud in some areas. The Minister has also urged citizens to cooperate with security authorities to maintain peace and order as well as implement the tenets of democracy during the elections. In other issues, sources said the Cabinet has postponed the implementation of a decision on the removal of diwaniyas built on state properties, which was supposed to take effect on April 2, until next week. Sources clarified the Cabinet has postponed implementation of the decision to further study the issue. Sources added some candidates had included the issue in their electoral discussions.
Meanwhile, Hussein Al-Dousari, a candidate in the next elections, has asked the government to postpone the removal of diwaniyas until after the elections. Former MP Hussein Mezyed, on the other hand, appealed to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to cancel a decision on the removal of diwaniyas while another candidate, Dr Mohammed Al-Otaibi, called on HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to postpone the decision until completion of further studies on the issue. Criticizing the government for its weakness and inability to efficiently handle the affairs of the nation, Mubarak Al-Harris said the government failed to maintain peace and order in the country.
Former MP Ali Al-Omair revealed vote-buying was rampant in the last elections. He also stressed the need to form a government away from tribal and sectarian considerations Former MP Talal Al-Ayyar said some of his colleagues in the previous Parliament should be held responsible for the dissolution of the National Assembly due to their endless calls for grilling.
Vote-buying
Citizens have no reason to sell their votes since Kuwait has the main elements of a luxurious and secure life — Constitution, laws, skilled human resources and wealth, Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM) candidate Mohammed Al-Rashaid told the Arab Times. Al-Rashaid made the statement in a confab he organized Sunday under the theme “Loving Kuwait is a mind-set” with the participation of several parliamentary election hopefuls. Speakers at the confab include Salafist candidate and former MP Dr Ali Al-Omair, Municipality Council member Abdelaziz Al-Shaejy and Al-Rashaid. Indicating the problem lies in Kuwait’s inability to fairly distribute the main elements of a luxurious and secure life to its citizens, Al-Rashaid said it is difficult to distribute these elements due to various considerations.
Echoing Al-Rashaid’s sentiment, Al-Omair pointed out the proper distribution of these elements requires the presence of a strong and decisive government which respects democracy, a cooperative Parliament, and voters who are keen on protecting public welfare and have the ability to take right decisions. Al-Omair admitted bribery was rampant in previous elections, in which, several candidates attempted to influence voters’ choices through gifts and money and misuse of the Holy Quran. On the other hand, Al-Shaejy said “celebrating national events is not enough to express our love for Kuwait. It should be seen in our actions. It should be evident when we perform our daily tasks. It is also reflected when we fully abide by the laws, refrain from using wasta (influence), and respect other opinions.” He also urged the citizens to iron out ethnic or tribal differences.
Meanwhile, candidate from the First Constituency Mubarak Al-Harees blamed the government for the worsening situation in Kuwait. Speaking at a symposium on the reasons behind the dissolution of Parliament, Al-Harees said the government failed to present a clear agenda to achieve Kuwait’s visions. He also accused the government of aggravating the situation and creating problems, which strained its relations with the Parliament. Adding that the Cabinet has no ability to effectively handle national issues due to the absence of a clear program, Al-Harees said the Cabinet has fabricated a reason behind its resignation and blamed the Parliament for its alleged refusal to cooperate with the government.
By Dahlia Kholaif, Raed Yousef, Ayed Al-Enezi, Hadi Al-Ajmi and Ahmed Al-Qallaf