Ten in vote-buying network arrested in Kuwait

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BULLETS, DRUGS, MONEY … VOTER LISTS SEIZED

KUWAIT CITY, May 28: The Criminal Investigation General Department at the Ministry of Interior has confirmed the arrest of 10 individuals for forming a vote-buying network in favor of two parliamentary election candidates in the Fifth Constituency. The security authorities found unlicensed bullets, drugs, money and list of voters in the possession of the arrested individuals; who were referred to the Public Prosecution along with the confiscated items.

The department stressed that the ministry is keen on enforcing the law and it is closely monitoring election activities to prevent illegal acts like the purchase of votes. It urged citizens to call the hotline — 97272672 — to report suspicious acts related to the elections. It affirmed that the identity of anyone who makes such a report will be strictly confidential. According to reliable sources, the arrested individuals include a Pakistani who has strong relations with almost 400 voters in the Fifth Constituency and that he works with others.

The prosecution detained these individuals and summoned the two involved candidates — one of them is a former MP. Meanwhile, former MP and First Constituency candidate Saleh Ashour said in his campaign that attempts to make the citizens lose trust in democracy and the Parliament have been foiled, owing to the people’s awareness. He highlighted the importance of the monitoring role of the Parliament, which led to the investigation and punishment of many senior officials and Sheikhs involved in corruption.

He stressed the need to implement reforms; including the establishment of a higher commission for elections, and amendment of the Elections Law and the Constitutional Court Law to oblige the latter to rule on appeals regarding elections before the voting process. He said commitment to the Constitution does not mean it is not subject to amendment. He pointed out: “We are all committed to the Constitution, but not necessarily to refrain from amending some articles of the Constitution in the interest of the nation and in line with the latest developments.”

In a relevant development, former MP and Second Constituency candidate Khalil Al-Saleh said the government must address the urgent issues including increasing the citizens’ salaries and pension and maintenance of roads within three months, starting from the beginning of the upcoming parliamentary term. He added that the executive and legislative authorities must reach an agreement to ratify bills in the interest of the people according to schedule. By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff

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