Tribalism, sectarianism, bribes … and elections

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THE repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis continue to change our daily habits, to even the extent of changing the nature of the parliamentary elections, which are due to be held on Dec 5, 2020.

In light of the consequences of the health measures taken by the concerned authorities in the country, there are no campaign programs and parties where people feast and attend rallies … all that is left are three categories of politicians.

The first group contains candidates who gain their support from tribalism and the use of families to attract votes. They are chosen through the so-called “consultation” meetings, which, despite being illegal, continue to be the force that produces candidates who have no clear program, as all that they do is serve the members of their tribe.

The second group consists of candidates who earn their support through sectarianism. Unfortunately after 60 years of Kuwait democracy, there are still those who work with sectarian mentality. This has silenced the national voice and dimmed the light of social cohesion due to sectarian alignments at the expense of the national unity.

The third type of candidates are those who buy votes. This is the worst group, given that their main objective will be to compensate the money that they spent on buying votes as soon as they reach the Parliament. Also, such people are prone to selling their country for financial gains.

Undoubtedly, the public mood, which managed to change in the past months due to negative developments witnessed in the country, is no longer effective. This is due to the series of scandals related to human trafficking cases, or helping some criminals flee from justice, in which some parliamentarians and officials are involved.

In this regard, we hope that the next Parliament will not be worse than its predecessor. We hope it does not just come and leave after four years without leaving anything worth legacy behind.

Nonetheless, the lack of a strong government with a clear action plan and without hesitation in confronting issues head-on will constitute another few years of setback, especially if it becomes hostage to the parliamentary whims and laws that are repulsive in every aspect, not just investment.

We need a government that will not flinch when a particular MP shouts or another waves interpellation … What Kuwait is waiting for in the coming stages is much greater than the ministerial blackmail game, which has rendered our country to lose a lot.

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah

Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times

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