Manama Kuwait's interior ministry has rejected attempts by parliament candidates to gain popular support by distorting the reputation of security agencies and doubting their seriousness and honesty.
"We urge all people to assume their national responsibilities and distance themselves from unfair and subjective self-promoting statements," the ministry said in a statement. "The allegations made by candidates in social networks and in the media about the ministry's lack of seriousness in dealing with the political money, vote-buying and other violations in the various constituencies," the statement said.
The ministry attributed the allegations and rumours to attempts by some parliament hopefuls to gain popularity points in the electorate at its expense.
"This is totally unfair as the ministry has been doing its work with full responsibilities as can be easily seen in the action it has taken against violators," the ministry said.
Around 400,000 Kuwaitis are scheduled to cast their ballots in national elections for a new parliament on February 2.
However, candidates have started campaigning, using the media and social networks to promote themselves amid salient pledges to address decisively the problems that have hit the nation.
Tribes and sects remain the main platforms for support, but several candidates have been working on votes through populist pledges.
