Gulf | Kuwait
Islamists and tribesmen elected in Kuwait polls, but no women
No women made it to Kuwait's legislature as voters in ushered back in many Islamist and tribal politicians from the previous house, which could mean further stagnation in economic reform.
- By Laila Ali, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 15:29 May 18, 2008
- Twenty-seven women were among the 275 hopefuls in the race for the 50 seats that became vacant when the ruler Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah dissolved parliament in March.
- Image Credit: AP
Kuwait City: Islamists and tribal candidates made strong gains in the Kuwait parliamentary elections but women failed to win any seats, official results showed on Sunday.
Saturday's vote was the first held under the new electoral law, reducing constituencies from 25 to 5, aimed at reducing the influence of tribes and Islamists.
The amendment seemed to have little effect as conservatives returned to the parliament in bigger numbers.
The Islamic Salafi Alliance doubled their strength, winning at least 10 seats. Sunni and Shiite Islamists captured more than half the seats in the 50-member parliament, increasing their strength in the house.
The moderate political entity of Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic Constitutional Movement, saw their number of lawmakers halved to 3. Liberals and their allies finished with 7 seats — one less than from the previous parliament. Three-time speaker Ahmad Al Saadun's Popular Action Bloc also lost a seat as they won four.
Al Saadun, an MP since 1975, won a record ninth term, but finished a lowly ninth out of the 10 winners in the constituency. Outgoing speaker Jasem Al Khoraifi too won his seat.
The other surprise was the lack of women winners although 27 were among the 275 candidates. Aseel Al Awadi, a teacher, came very close by finishing 11th in her constituency. The first 10 were declared winners.
The results
- Islamic Salafi Alliance & allies - 10
- Sunni Islamists - 21
- Islamic Constitutional Movement - 3
- Shiite Islamists - 5
- Liberals and allies - 7
- Popular Action Bloc - 4
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