Kuwaiti movement to push for multi-party system

A leading member of the Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM), the Kuwait chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood, has said that some members of his group have readied a draft law for the establishment of a multi-party political system here.

Paraliament member Nasser Al Sane, the Assistant Secretary-General of the ICM, told Gulf News, "We will try to work out political pluralism within the framework of Kuwait's constitution and we will hold consultative meetings with other political groups, not personalities, to push it forward."

The Secretary-General of the ICM, Dr Bader Al Nashi, announced last October that his group plans to hold a joint national conference for an integrated reform plan which recognises pluralism. He also said that a multi-party political system would guarantee the rotation of power within a clearly defined parliamentary system.

"There are already political groups which are not officially recognised, but they function the same way as political parties. The establishment of a real multi- party system would promote real democracy in the country," Al Sane said.

In statements to the Arabic newspaper Al Watan over the weekend, Al Sane said, "Regional political reforms require the establishment of political parties, particularly in Kuwait, which enjoys a long history of democracy.

"The goal of a multi- party system is to form a harmonious government if it wins elections."

Al Sane also told Gulf News, "I believe the Kuwaiti Constitution as it stands needs no amendments except towards the participation of the people and democracy … but the message from the founders of the constitution is clear that laws should be improved.

"Our Constitution cannot and should not remain stagnant and amendments could be added to include the formation and recognition of political parties."