Kuwait, Openness and Challenges to Democracy

Elections to elect members of the Kuwait National Assembly are over. A number of veteran politicians returned to fill seats in parliament. The challenge is political stability.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

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The atmosphere of the city center in Kuwait City on Sunday (4/6/2023) evening.

On Wednesday (7/6/2023) afternoon, Avenues, the largest mall in Kuwait and the world, was crowded with visitors. The democracy festival - to elect members of parliament or the National Assembly or Majlis Al-Ummah - which was held the day before had ended. On Wednesday morning, the residents had known the results.

Marzouq Al-Ghanim, former Chairman of the National Assembly in 2020; Ahmed Al-Saadoun, veteran opposition politician who became Chairman of the National Assembly in 2022; and Jenan Boushehri, the only female politician, are among the 50 new elected members of parliament.

"Our hope is that Kuwait continues to progress. They are mature and experienced people in politics, intelligent, and have a concern for young people like us," said Fauzia, a resident of Kuwait.

Also read: Elections Show Kuwait's Pioneering in the Region

Just like Fauzia, it seems that hope is also the hope of Kuwaiti citizens. Despite having the sixth largest oil reserves in the world and a stable economy, Kuwait needs political stability.

As previously reported, the legislative election held on Tuesday (6/6) is the third election in the last two years. Previously, the National Assembly resulting from the 2020 election was dissolved in 2022. Then, the election held in the second half of 2022 was also dissolved, and the Constitutional Court restored the parliament resulting from the 2020 election. However, last April, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah requested the parliament to be dissolved and a new election to be held again.

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The filled-out ballot papers by the voters were seen in a ballot box at a polling station in Bibi Al Salem Al Sabah high school in Dasma, Kuwait on Tuesday (6/6/2023).

The situation is the result of a "political crisis" triggered by the feud between the parliament and the executive. Its impact is that economic reform - which is marked by efforts to diversify national income beyond oil - has not progressed much. The dispute between the executive and legislative branches in recent years has also been seen as hampering fiscal reform, including the passage of debt laws. However, this breakthrough is needed to enable Kuwait to take advantage of the international market and overcome its heavy dependence on oil.

Also read: Watching the Kuwaiti Election, Celebration of Democracy in the Arab Gulf Countries

As reported by Reuters news agency, this week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Kuwait to quickly pass the debt law and implement "substantial fiscal consolidation". This is necessary to reverse projections of a medium-term fiscal deficit.

On the other hand, many citizens still hope that the government will continue to invest in the field of education, health, and other public services.

Challenge

However, it's not an easy matter to achieve. Once again, the "conflict" between the executive and legislative branches is overshadowing. Out of 50 parliamentary seats, 29 are filled by politicians who are considered to lean towards an opposition stance.

Al-Ghanim, an experienced politician who is also popular among young voters, is expected to run again as the candidate for speaker of parliament. He will compete with Al-Saadoun.

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A photo of a candidate and former chairman of the Kuwait National Assembly, Marzouq Al Ghanim, was displayed on the front page of a local newspaper, Al Anbag. The photo was taken on Tuesday (6/6/2023).

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Representatives of friendly countries and staff from the Kuwait Ministry of Information entered the main gate of the Kuwait National Council Building on Monday (5/6/2023). Kuwait will hold National Council elections on Tuesday (6/6/2023).

Marzouq Al-Ghanim is the successor of the Al-Ghanim family, known as a leading business family in the country. From his mother's side, Marzouq Al-Ghanim also inherited political skills. His maternal uncle was the Speaker of the National Assembly from 2008-2009, and in 2009-2011, Jassem Al-Kharafi. Marzouq Al-Ghanim, from a strong family lineage, is seen as representing the business community in the country. Al-Ghanim is also known for being critical of Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the son of Emir Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah.

The large number of elected parliament members - mostly members of the National Assembly 2022 - raises concerns that the political situation in Kuwait will not change significantly.

Read also: Crown Prince of Kuwait Determines Gulf Arab Power Balance

However, the situation could also become more positive this time. Several analysts believe that the emergence of new names in parliament could lead to a more positive relationship between the executive and legislative branches. They generally come from independent figures who are not tied to prominent Kuwaiti families. They are seen as capable of promoting balance between the executive and legislative branches, which would allow fiscal reforms to be realized. There are at least 12 new members elected to parliament.

Dania Thafer, Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, said that new parliament members have the potential to swing votes on certain issues. Meanwhile, Ahmad Al-Deyain, a figure in the Progressive Movement in Kuwait, said that among those elected, the parliament's faces tend to be more reformist. According to him, the majority of new parliament members are independent politicians who are relatively unlikely to oppose the executive if they deem it to have taken reformist policies.

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A number of representatives from friendly countries are in discussion at the National Council Library in Kuwait City on Monday (6/5/2023).

Meanwhile, a sociologist from Kuwait University, Mohammad al-Rumaihi, stated that the selection of the chairman and composition of the government will determine how the parliament will be dynamic in the future. "It could go in two directions, either cooperation - and this is good for Kuwait - or conflict, and we will start again, holding another election," said Rumaihi.

The only female elected parliament member, Jenan Boushehri, told AFP news agency that she hopes to build stability and move forward on various issues, both political and economic.

"The authorities in Kuwait must work together to create political stability. The lack of cooperation among the authorities will have negative repercussions both internally and externally," said Abdul Wahid Khalfan, a political analyst in Kuwait, to Al Jazeera.

Democratization

Despite being colored by political crises in recent years, Kuwait has been a pioneer in democratization in the Gulf region. Kuwait, led by an emir, formed a parliament in 1962 and women have been allowed to use their right to vote since 2005. Even women can run for candidacy and be elected as members of the National Assembly.

Read also: The warmth of the Arab countries of the Gulf in the month of celebration of Kuwait

The candidates are independent candidates because political parties - according to the country's constitution - are not allowed. The role of the National Assembly is quite vital in local political dynamics. According to Freedom House, a non-profit organization that works on issues of democracy, human rights, and political freedom, the Kuwaiti National Assembly has the authority to approve and block laws. According to the Washington DC-based organization, the National Assembly also has the right to question ministers - some of whom come from the Al-Sabah family - and to propose a vote of no confidence.

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The Kuwait Tower stands magnificently, symbolizing the progress of Kuwait. The photo was taken on Sunday (4/6/2023) in Kuwait City.

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A citizen placed a ballot paper into a ballot box at a polling station in the Bibi Al Salem Al Sabah high school in Dasma, Kuwait, on Tuesday (6/6/2023).

Among the Gulf giants, Kuwait is the only country with a democratically elected parliament.

Indonesia

The Director of Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Bagus Hendraning Kobarsih stated that, politically, the elections in Kuwait will not directly affect Southeast Asia or Indonesia. However, the stability that arises may have a significant impact on the economic relations between the two countries, Indonesia-Kuwait.

The large number of Indonesian migrant workers in Kuwait - currently estimated to be around 7,000 people - requires diplomatic support.

Observing the democracy in Kuwait, Bagus is optimistic about Kuwait's openness. "With patience and perseverance in communication, positive results can be achieved," said Bagus. Referring to the close relationship between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates during the era of President Joko Widodo and President UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the closeness can actually be built.

A number of potential collaborations, including in the energy sector between Kuwait and Indonesia, can be developed. Democratization in Kuwait, according to Bagus, could open up a broader space for exploring that cooperation. Stability, according to him, will have a positive impact on the flow of investment between the two countries.

(AP/AFP/Reuters)