A Total Of 255 Candidates Registered For The 2024 National Assembly Elections

Registration for the 2024 National Assembly elections closed on Wednesday, with a total of 255 candidates, including 14 women, who are set to participate in the upcoming elections scheduled for April 4th, marking the 18th legislative term.

Today, the last day for registration, 37 male and female candidates submitted their candidacy applications to the Election Affairs Department of the Ministry of the Interior. In total, 241 male candidates, 14 female candidates, and three candidates conceded the electoral race.

On the tenth day, nine candidates applied in the first district, including one woman; seven candidates applied in the second district, including two women; five candidates applied in the third district, including two women; ten candidates applied in the fourth district, including one woman; and six candidates applied in the fifth district, including one woman.

The candidate for the second district, Abdulaziz Al-Bathali, called on His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Sabah, to prepare a government work program based on political reform, which is considered a gateway to fixing any defects.

Al-Bathali said, “The citizen is still caught in a cycle of inadequacy. We see them resorting to private hospitals due to shortcomings in the health system, contending with dilapidated roads, enduring waiting lists for residential care for up to 15 years, and facing rents that consume more than 550 dinars from their salary. This means that the majority of their income goes towards rent.”

He added that citizens also suffer from the high cost of living and outrageous prices, which impact their social lives. He called on the prime minister to initiate comprehensive political reforms, noting that Kuwait has significantly lagged behind its neighbors.

For his part, the candidate for the fourth district, Jarrah Al-Mutairat, said, “I am sending a message to those who have exploited their positions for personal gain." We detest your actions. There are also candidates who persist in buying debts and engaging in financial corruption. Corruption is an abomination, and prohibiting it is a duty.”

Al-Mutairat stressed, “The corruption occurring in the country reflects a bleak outlook, and mounting pressure could lead to an explosion. We will not permit anyone, regardless of their position, to engage in actions that harm the country, and we will confront such individuals.”

“The candidate for the first district, Mubarak Suleiman Trad, said, “I hope that we won’t keep seeing the same names repeated every time, and that new candidates will be elected, especially those who haven’t accomplished anything significant over the years.” He called on the government to address various issues, including road repairs, enhancing the standard of living, and reviewing retiree salaries

He was surprised by “the government’s failure to adhere to the one-month period it had promised itself for increasing the cost of living.”

For his part, the candidate for the second district, Badr Al-Bathali, explained, “My electoral program resembles the one I drafted during the previous nullified council term. It focuses on improving the standard of living and establishing a state mechanism to purchase fines for debtors, lifting travel bans due to fines, addressing personal status issues, and establishing modern hospitals. I was among those who submitted suggestions for this agenda.”

He added, “The government has made mistakes in family law, and we will hold the governor of the Central Bank accountable for any wrongdoings against citizens."

He stated, “The announcement made by the governments of Ahmed Al-Nawaf and Muhammad Al-Sabah regarding the increase in the cost of living, limited to 60 or 70 dinars, is surprising.”

He wondered, “What impact will this increase have in light of inflation, especially when citizens’ salaries consist mainly of allowances?” Overall, he believes the government’s idea, particularly the proposed 60-dinar increase, is misguided. He argues that the government has a surplus, not a deficit.

Al-Bathali called on the people to make wise choices and urged unity in selecting representatives with vision. He explained, “As a strategic political advisor, I am not a newcomer, and I cannot act destructively." Tribe affiliation should not determine support. Unfortunately, there has been disagreement since 2020, but

I will not be compelled to nominate someone against my will. The candidate should represent the people of the district, aiming to prevent racism and division in our national fabric.”

In his statement, Thamer Al-Otaibi, the candidate for the third district, expressed his sadness at the current state of affairs in Kuwait, where citizens must turn to their representatives for even their most basic life demands.

He wondered, “Why is there a need for a mediator, and why is trust eroding between the citizen and the government?" The breakdown of trust has led to a decline in services, exacerbated by rampant corruption within state institutions. Regrettably, we have two opposing factions, each claiming to advocate for reform. The first faction has had the opportunity for twelve years, holding the majority and consensus.”

He added, “There is a second team that has secured a majority in two chambers, and all the laws presented are in the interest of citizens."

As for his part, Sultan Mutani Al-Shammari, the candidate for the fourth district, proposed the establishment of the Local Investment Authority, which would oversee all state investments, including bodies, institutions, and companies within Kuwait.

He said, “Some ministers are sabotaging major bodies and ministries. My electoral program includes the establishment of the Local Investment Authority, allocating 50% for salaries and 50% for investments within Kuwait.”

In turn, the candidate for the third district, Suhaila Al-Salem, affirmed, “I have decided to represent the district out of concern for fostering cooperation between the Council and the government, promoting reform and development, and safeguarding our national identity against the challenges it faces." Additionally,

I will advocate for the defense of crucial issues and the advancement of developmental initiatives.”

For his part, the candidate for the first district, Nasser Al-Nasrallah, stated, “We aim to assist the government in uncovering counterfeiters and duplicators."

This historic government has already exposed many of them, revealing the presence of 400,000 counterfeiters and duplicators. Previous governments and councils had supported and covered up for them. With the support of every honorable individual, we intend to eradicate counterfeiters and duplicators to ensure fair and national elections.”

He continued, “We will pursue constitutional solutions to achieve our goal of exposing counterfeiters and duplicators. I urge citizens not to boycott the elections; boycotting would only aid the success of counterfeiters, duplicators, and their accomplices.”

He pointed out, “The leadership, represented by His Highness the Emir, and the government have taken measures, and as citizens, we must assist in this direction. I confirm that 30 members will protect the national identity and propose legislation to combat counterfeiting.”

Additionally, Fawzi Al-Saqr, candidate for the Fifth District, stated, “We will start by presenting legal proposals that align with current developments, aiming to enhance the nation’s standing, accelerate development, and uphold rights and equality. We anticipate enacting legislation that promotes democratic correction in line with legislative and judicial authority.”

The candidate for the third district, Muhammad Al-Joaan, affirmed, “We are currently experiencing a state of frustration and despair." Some candidates reiterated that the elections are crucial, signifying a crossroads. We have progressed beyond mere acknowledgment of corruption and are now approaching a solution.”

He pointed out that “inflation reached 33% in recent years, and the government delayed the implementation of the 50 dinars cost of living allowance. Despite the tampering with the state’s capabilities, we have not halted our efforts. Over the past four years, we have witnessed four elections and seven successive governments, leading to a sense of despair among the people.”

He explained, “It is imperative to enhance the living conditions of citizens and to approve a cost of living allowance in response to ongoing inflation. Additionally, we need to assess whether the government is capable of hiring during the upcoming period.”

For his part, Khaled Al-Mishari, the candidate for the third district, stated, “We have received awards for humanitarian work both abroad and domestically, yet today, everyone speaks of reforms without actively pursuing them. The same familiar faces only serve their personal interests.” He added, “My electoral program addresses the concerns of citizens and aims to reform the outdated political system.”

For his part, Abdul-Ghani Awad Al-Enezi, the candidate for the fourth district, emphasized the need for the nation’s future representatives to set aside their differences and work towards the benefit of Kuwait, both domestically and internationally. Reflecting on the past 30 years, he remarked, “If we were to give a title to what has transpired, it would be: governments and councils have failed.”

He continued, “During my tenure in the National Guard, I successfully saved one million dinars in a project. Additionally, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, I conducted a study that gained approval from officials.”

Furthermore, he noted, “On Monday, March 4th, at 7:30 a.m., the Election Affairs Department of the Ministry of the Interior commenced the nomination process for the 18th legislative term of the National Assembly (Nation 2024).”

It is noteworthy that the opportunity for candidacy will remain open to candidates until seven days before polling day, that is, until March 28, in accordance with the electoral law.

On Wednesday morning, Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, inspected the Election Affairs Department in the Shuwaikh Residential Area on the final day of candidate registration. He was welcomed by Dr. Ahmed Al-Hajri, the Director of the Election Affairs Department.

During the tour, Lieutenant General Al-Nawaf was briefed on the workflow mechanism and coordination channels with the relevant sectors of the Ministry of Interior and other parties involved in supervising and organizing the 2024 National Assembly elections, scheduled for Thursday, April 4th.

During the visit, Lieutenant General Al-Nawaf listened to the tasks and responsibilities assigned to managing the elections, as well as the requirements and needs for organizing and securing the electoral process. This included discussions on both individual roles and the technical equipment necessary to ensure the success of the electoral process.

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