Gulf | Kuwait
Kuwait braces for turbulent times
Islamists achieve major gains in elections; Experts foresee repeated confrontations in parliament; Women fail to find foothold and liberals fall from grace
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 February 4, 2012
- Image Credit: AFP
- Opposition candidate Mubarak Al Waalan (centre) celebrates with supporters following his victory in the parliamentary elections in Kuwait City early on Friday. Kuwait has become the fourth Arab country in as many months to see overwhelming gains for Islamists and huge losses for liberals in parliamentary elections.
Manama: The newly-elected Kuwaiti parliament will not complete its full term, analysts have predicted after Islamists made unprecedented gains. Islamists, including Muslim Brotherhood, Salafists and independent candidates won 22 out of the 50 seats in parliament in what one analyst described as a "soft Arab Spring".
"Tribalism and Islamism have proven that they are undisputedly the most significant factors in the elections, way ahead of any other consideration," Mohammad Al Suhaili, a Kuwaiti political analyst told Gulf News.
"There will be numerous clashes between the lawmakers whose backgrounds and orientations sharply contrast as well as standoffs with the government. I do not think that this parliament will go to the full extent of its term. It is way too explosive to remain," he added.
Abdullah Al Shayji, chairman of the Political Science Department at Kuwait University and specialist in Gulf and US politics, referred to election day as "a roller coaster with many surprises." "There are no women in the new formation and the liberals have been dramatically decimated while former pro-government lawmakers and former MPs suspected of receiving huge amounts of money in their bank accounts and investigated by the public prosecutor either did not run or simply lost," he told Gulf News.
Kuwait has become the fourth Arab country in as many months to see overwhelming gains for Islamists and losses for liberals in parliamentary elections.
PM reminds winners of responsibilities
Related Links
In a message of congratulations to the winners, Prime Minister Shaikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah yesterday said that the lawmakers should be prepared to shoulder "heavy responsibilities" and to deal with difficult times ahead.
The premier expressed hope that the new members of parliament will fulfil the "aspirations of the people on security, stability, development, prosperity, combating negative acts and bolstering patriotism," Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) reported.
Comments (1)
|
News Editor's choice
-
Impounded cars may be sold off
Abu Dhabi Municipality warns motorists who have abandoned cars in the emirate
-
Parents to control how children use their phones
Move will help protect youngsters from pornography and bullying
-
Rare eclipse crosses Asia
"Ring of fire" is seen by millions in Asia and parts of America
