Kuwait Holds National Elections Amid Political Gridlock

• Kuwait held national elections for the fourth time in as many years.

• Elected assembly in Kuwait holds significant power compared to other Arab countries.

• New emir dissolved parliament in February following an alleged insult by a lawmaker.

Kuwait national flag is in half mast after the death of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, in Kuwait, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Kuwait's ruling emir, the 86-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahm

AP

Kuwait recently held national elections, marking the fourth time in as many years that the oil-rich country has sought to address its political gridlock. The elected assembly in Kuwait holds more power compared to most in the Arab world, but has historically faced challenges in its relationship with the government, which is appointed by the royal family.

These elections come after the passing of Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, who assumed power following the death of his half brother in December. The new emir dissolved parliament in February due to an alleged insult by a lawmaker. In this election, voters had the opportunity to choose from 200 candidates to fill 50 seats in the assembly, as political parties are not present in Kuwait.

Political disputes within Kuwait have been ongoing, particularly regarding changes to the welfare system, which have hindered the country's ability to take on debt. Despite its significant oil reserves, Kuwait has faced challenges in managing its finances, leading to repeated dissolution of the parliament in the past.

Last year, Kuwait's Constitutional Court nullified a decree from 2022, resulting in the annulment of the parliament. Subsequently, a new election was held last summer, only to be annulled again in February. Kuwait, with a population of approximately 4.2 million people and the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves, has been a key U.S. ally since the 1991 Gulf War.

Kuwait stands out among Gulf Arab countries for having a democratically elected parliament that provides some oversight on the ruling family, despite the government's authority to appoint officials and dissolve the assembly at its discretion. The country hosts a significant number of American troops and serves as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.