MP Al-Dousari voted into Foreign Affairs panel – Empowered municipalities eyed

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 9: The National Assembly, in its ordinary session on Tuesday, elected MP Nasser Al-Dousari as member of the Foreign Affairs Committee replacing MP Ali Al-Deqbasi. MP Talal Al-Jalal was also elected as member of the Public Utilities Committee in place of MP Mohammed Al-Hadiya. It can be recalled that the Assembly approved, during its ordinary session on Dec 19, 2017, the resignation of Al-Deqbasi and Al-Hadiya from membership of the abovementioned committees.

Meanwhile, a number of MPs stressed the need to allocate a Municipality for each governorate and give them enough power to carry out their work according to the regulations; taking into consideration their importance and close link with the development plan. The MPs presented the suggestion while discussing the report of the Public Utilities Committee on the proposed amendment of Municipality Law No. 33/2016.

They criticized the government for its failure to submit the date of Municipal Council elections, since the work period of the interim committee tasked to specify the election date has already ended. They claimed this is a clear manifestation of the government’s hesitation in taking decisions and lack of vision, in addition to the absence of special committees in charge of municipal affairs.

They expressed concern over the possibility that some citizens will be deprived of the right to vote in the election, stressing the need for an election system which ensures justice for all. They stressed the need to activate the role of the council, especially in organizing districts and monitoring their conditions as these are vital in the implementation of development projects including infrastructure.

They also called for declaring the council as a private entity. On another issue, the Assembly rejected the request of the Public Prosecution to lift the immunity of MP Safaa Al-Hashem to stand trial in municipal misdemeanor Case No. 3303/2017. Deputy Speaker Issa Al-Kandari adjourned the session until Wednesday to discuss bills on reducing the retirement age and amendment of the Municipality Law.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

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