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Tensions over tribal elections raise concerns in Kuwait

Tensions between Kuwaiti tribesmen and the Ministry of Interior have recently peaked as tribesmen have insisted on holding illegal primary elections prior to the May 17 parliamentary polls.

  • By Laila Ali, Special to Gulf News
  • Published: 17:54 April 14, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Aisha Al Khalafi registers as a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kuwait City.
  • Image Credit: Reuters

Kuwait: Tensions between Kuwaiti tribesmen and the Ministry of Interior have recently peaked as tribesmen have insisted on holding illegal primary elections prior to the May 17 parliamentary polls.

Meanwhile, observers of the Kuwaiti political arena are concerned about the outcome of the legislative elections amidst these tensions.

Speaking to Gulf News in wake of these tensions, Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University Dr Haila Al Mekaimi said, “The new parliament will be more aggressive than the previous one. The Cabinet will mourn the loss of the past parliament.''

She asserted that the current tensions will reap a demanding parliament rather than what was hoped to be a cooperative legislative authority.

Since the parliament's dissolution last month, Ministry of Interior has shown unprecedented sincerity in curbing tribal elections which are prohibited by law. Thus far, there have been two violent clashes, last of which was on Friday, as security forces fired tear gas against hundreds of tribesmen who responded by throwing stones. The clashes, which took place in Sabahiya, south of Kuwait City, started as security forces besieged the home of a former MP Ganem Al Maei where tribal elections were in process.

No arrests were made but several civilians and two security men were slightly injured. Following the withdrawal of security forces, tribesmen celebrated what they described as a victory and Al Maei, admitting the hosting of a tribal election, described measures taken by security forces as ‘oppressive'.

Public Prosecution issued warrants of arrest against 200 tribesmen who organised and took part in previous primaries.

However, more tribal elections took place on Monday in Ahmadi in the presence of patrolling security forces; but no measures were taken against them, which raised doubts about the Ministry's intentions.

“The Cabinet has the right to fight the holding of these banned elections as they defy democracy and endorse tribal loyalties. However, the Cabinet's current sincerity came after years of lenience in handling them, and thus, is met with resistance,'' said Dr Haila.

Affirming that conducting tribal elections has developed into a social practice rather than a political one, Dr. Haila explained that violent approaches are not the ideal way to handle them. “Fighting social phenomena is harder than curbing political practices. The Cabinet should resort to raising awareness amongst the public that tribal elections threaten Kuwait's national unity and increases the isolation of each tribe in the Kuwaiti community,'' she explained.

— Laila Ali is a journalist based in Kuwait

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