’24 Elections’ Second Held During Ramadan In Kuwait’s Parliament History

The upcoming 2024 National Assembly elections, slated for April 4, mark a significant event in Kuwait's parliamentary history, with this being only the second time such elections have coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, observed Kuwaiti media figures.

In discussions with KUNA, media experts highlighted that the first instance of elections during Ramadan occurred during the 14th legislative term on July 27, 2013. Additionally, a by-election took place in the 10th constituency on December 7, 2000, within the same month.

Youssef Al-Marzouq, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Anbaa Newspaper, emphasized the unique blend of Ramadan's sacred customs with the democratic process. Drawing from past experiences, he noted that fasting during the elections in 2013 did not deter citizens, with a turnout of approximately 52 percent. Al-Marzouq stressed the unwavering commitment of Kuwaiti voters to their national responsibilities.

Dr. Khaled Al-Qehs, a mass communications professor at Kuwait University (KU), underscored the pivotal role of social media in electoral engagement, especially during Ramadan when familial ties are paramount. He predicted a potential surge in voter turnout owing to Kuwaitis' preference for spending Ramadan with family.

Highlighting the need for effective communication strategies, Al-Qehs urged candidates to leverage social media platforms and mainstream news outlets to convey their messages effectively. He emphasized the importance of a well-crafted media plan to encourage voter participation.

Dheiran Aba Al-Khail, Secretary-General of Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA), highlighted the initial social engagements at the start of Ramadan, delaying the commencement of election campaigns. He urged candidates to prioritize voter awareness and underscored the significance of voting as a national duty.

In conclusion, as Kuwait braces for the historic Ramadan elections, media figures stress the importance of effective communication, social media engagement, and voter awareness campaigns to ensure robust participation in the democratic process.

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