National Assembly Elections Are Likely On April 13th

The local political arena is abuzz with speculation on the date of the 2024 National Assembly election, while citizens are waiting for the issuance of a decree on conducting the election. Disproving the speculation that the election will be held on April 16, former MP and Constitutional Law Professor Hesham Al-Saleh said this is not possible, because it exceeds the grace period stipulated in Article 107 of the Constitution; that is, within two months after the issuance of the legislative dissolution decree. “Considering the dissolution decree was issued on Feb 15, the election will most likely be conducted on April 13, especially since it falls on a Saturday,” he explained. He pointed out there is no difference whether February has 28 or 29 days; as Article 107 of the Constitution specified a grace period of two months, not 60 days.

Meanwhile, it is still early to determine if the upcoming election will be conducted according to the recently ratified law or the nullified version by reactivating it through a decree of necessity or according to other regulations that will be included in the decree. This decree might retain the system of five constituencies or increase the number to 10, covering the entire State. In a relevant development, Municipal Council member Fehaid Al-Muwaizri has announced his intention to stand for the upcoming election in the Fourth Constituency.

On the other hand, Former MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri posted on his ‘X’ account that the corrupt are inciting others to move against the Constitution to serve their interests, to undermine the people’s will. He said they want to replace the National Assembly with a consultative council or a senate. He then cited Article Six of the Constitution, stating that Kuwait’s system of government is democratic; hence, sovereignty is vested in the nation as the source of all authorities and the exercise of that sovereignty shall be as set out in the Constitution. He expects the government to be responsible in terms of respecting the Constitution and making sure the Election Decree is empty of violations that could delay the electoral process or result in nullifying or dissolving the next legislature.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

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