Kuwait's Emir Dissolves Parliament and Suspends Some Constitutional Provisions

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, dissolved the parliament and announced the suspension of some constitutional provisions for four years on Friday, May 10, following weeks of disputes over cabinet formation. The Emir stated in a television program, "I have issued the order to dissolve the parliament and declare the suspension of certain constitutional provisions for four years." Sheikh Mishal emphasized that "recent political disagreements in Kuwait have reached a point where we cannot remain silent, so we must take all necessary actions to secure the interests of the country and the people." The recent parliamentary elections in Kuwait were held on April 5, with a turnout of 62% of 834,000 eligible voters, and 39 out of 46 representatives from the previous parliament were re-elected. The Emir also mentioned that during the suspension of constitutional provisions, all aspects of the democratic process in the country would be reviewed. Kuwait's state television reported that the Emir and the cabinet would assume the powers of the parliament. Sheikh Mishal stated, "Kuwait has recently gone through difficult days, and the situation leaves no room for doubt or delay in making tough decisions to save the country and secure its highest interests." According to Kuwait's constitution, a new government must be formed within two weeks after the April 5 elections. However, since the elections, tensions between the elected parliament and the Prime Minister appointed by the Emir have stalled the cabinet formation process. Sheikh Mishal appointed Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the Prime Minister a week after the recent parliamentary elections. The Kuwaiti parliament has more powers compared to the parliaments of other Gulf countries. Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the former Emir of Kuwait, passed away at the age of 86 on December 16 last year, and Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was appointed as the new Emir. The new Emir dissolved the parliament last February after an allegation that a lawmaker insulted him, as Kuwait's law prohibits any criticism of the Emir. Domestic political disputes, including a review of the welfare system, have plagued Kuwait for years and impacted the country's economic growth and progress.