Gulf | Kuwait
Islamists face the public wrath
Moderate and liberal voices biggest gainers in the parliamentary elections.
- By Mohammed Almezel, Deputy Managing Editor
- Published: 23:48 May 17, 2009
- Image Credit: EPA
- Kuwaiti women achieved another historical milestone by winning their first ever seats in the oil-rich Gulf state parliament.
Dubai: Kuwaitis heaved a sigh of relief yesterday as election results showed a strong desire within the electorate to part ways with the Islamist movement in favour of more moderate and even liberal voices for only the first time in more than two decades.
The surprising results, officially announced last morning, saw four women joining the National Assembly for the first time since its inception 46 years ago.
A sense of frustration at the constant political deadlock in the country, which led to the suspension of parliament three times in as many years, was evident in the exceptionally low voter turnout, with only 58 per cent of people exercising their franchise, down from last year's 65 per cent.
Kuwait's legislature is elected directly by the people and its tryst with democracy has always been watched closely by its Gulf neighbours, often with a distinct sense of unease.
Kuwait's parliament has often been accused of holding up major economic Bills, like the proposed multi-billion dollar stimulus package which became a bone of contention earlier this year. The deadlock led the Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad to dissolve the parliament and call for new elections.
The Emir yesterday sounded understandably jubilant as he "expressed happiness" that four women had made it to the parliament, according to a congratulatory note released by the state news agency Kuna.
The Ruler urged the four new female MPs, Massouma Al Mubarak, Aseel Al Awadi, Rola Dashti, and Salwa Al Jassar, to work with their "brothers to serve the homeland".
The Islamist movement was in for a bitter shock with both the Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood being drubbed at the hustings. The Salafist representation in parliament will now be limited to just two lawmakers, down from five. The Muslim Brotherhood, or the Islamic Constitutional Movement as it is called in Kuwait, was down to one seat compared to three in the dissolved parliament.
The voters opted instead to bring in the more moderate voices, along with liberals and independents who can work with the government to boost the economy which has been battered by the global recession.
Seven liberals, including three women, made it to the parliament, compared with five lawmakers in the last assembly. Overall, 21 new faces have entered the parliament, unprecedented in Kuwait's parliamentary history. Shiite politicians also won big yesterday, grabbing nine seats, up from six in the last legislature.
Kuwaitis, frustrated by long periods of political instability, are now looking forward to a 'truce' between the government and lawmakers, former minister Saad Al Ajmi wrote on his popular website, Al Aan.
"This is the will of change of the Kuwaiti people," one of the woman MPs, Massouma Al Mubarak, told reporters yesterday. "We hope the results will lead to political stability and help achieve the desired cooperation between parliament and government."
Do you think women make better ministers than men do? What special characteristics do women bring to parliaments?
Your comments
This is not about which is much better...man or woman. What was being emphasized here is that every where in the world, they are starting to recognise the important role of woman to make the world a better place...in short...woman empowerment and it's a good development.
Jay Sia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 18, 2009, 11:55
In a deeper-wider perspective, I believe that there is no distinction whether women make better ministers than men do or vice versa. We simply cannot generalise since it is an individual output in the courses of actions. Besides, either a woman or a man could be a minister of a certain country if given the opportunity to serve its constituents. There are advantages and disadvantages in men and women being a minister of the land. Both gender have their own special characteristics to bring in to the parliament.
Winston Tan Parandas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 18, 2009, 11:33
I really don't think gender has anything to do with being a better minister. Contrary to the general mindset, they can equally make an excellent minster as well as a lousy one!
However, female ministers are usually much more effective advocates of equal rights and can make legislatures more gender and child sensitive, which is need of the hour.
Ash Bandey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 18, 2009, 10:28
I have no idea about if women would play a better role than men in the parliament. But women ministers would draw the various issues related women in the parliament. And this chance for women must be given across the world. I think then only will the men's society understand the problems of women around the world.
Shaikh Mohammad Ayoub
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 18, 2009, 09:52
It is good that Muslim women are taking their parts in Kuwait. Each work which is done with positive attitude always gives positive results. It does not matter that work is done either by men or women.
Tarek Jaafar
Fujairah,UAE
Posted: May 18, 2009, 08:45
This has been a step forward for Kuwait and this is certainly a historic unprecedented election.
I congratulate the women of Kuwait on this great acheivement and I hope that the Bahraini Elections in 2010 will yield even better results for Khaleji women.
Maha Al Gergawi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 18, 2009, 04:01
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